XIV: Mrs. Daniels explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Secrecy and Social Reputation

  Mrs. Daniels' oath of secrecy and the hidden identity of Mr. Blake's wife drive the chapter's tension and reveal the costs of concealment.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Mr. Blake's declaration of love and Mrs. Daniels' emotional relief highlight the sacrifices made for love and loyalty.

• Family and Control

  The revelation that the girl was taken by her father and brother underscores the theme of familial coercion and control.

Characters to notice

• Mrs. Daniels

  Reveals the secret of harboring Mr. Blake's wife, confesses her oath and her fear, and expresses relief upon learning the body is not her charge.

• Mr. Blake

  Confronts Mrs. Daniels, learns the girl was his wife, and declares his love and determination to find her.

• Mr. Gryce

  Urges Mrs. Daniels to speak, and later confirms that the body in the river is not Mrs. Blake.

• The Girl

  Revealed to be Mr. Blake's wife, disguised with a black wig, and forced away by her father and brother.

Key passages

• ““O,” cried she, sinking into a chair from sheer inability to stand, “it was your wife, Mr. Blake, the young creature you⁠—””

  Mrs. Daniels, overwhelmed, confesses that the girl she hid was Mr. Blake's wife.

  Key revelation of the girl's identity.

• ““Because I have just come from the Morgue where she lies dead.””

  Mrs. Daniels says she saw the girl's body at the Morgue.

  Mistaken belief that the wife is dead.

• ““No, a thousand times no; the girl was a perfect stranger.””

  Mr. Gryce insists the body in the river is not Mrs. Blake.

  Correction of the mistaken identity.

• ““You love her? O thank God!” she again reiterated but this time in a low murmur to her self. “Thank God!””

  Mrs. Daniels rejoices upon hearing Mr. Blake loves his wife.

  Emotional turning point for Mrs. Daniels.