# XXII: Myra explained — Brood of the Witch-Queen

> Chapter companion for Brood of the Witch-Queen by Sax Rohmer.

## What happens

Robert Cairn and Myra Duquesne share a romantic moment in the garden, where he confesses his love and kisses her. Myra reveals that Antony Ferrara recently visited her, confessed his love, and asked for a lock of her hair, which she reluctantly gave. She describes feeling a sinister change in him. The conversation turns to Myra's health and Mr. Saunderson's orchids, particularly a mysterious new orchid she tends to.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Robert Cairn's declaration of love and Myra's emotional vulnerability highlight the theme of romantic devotion amidst looming danger.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Myra's pale appearance and the sinister change in Ferrara's face contrast with the idyllic garden setting, underscoring hidden threats.

### The Occult and Ancient Egypt

Ferrara's request for a lock of hair hints at occult practices, possibly linked to ancient Egyptian magic or sympathetic sorcery.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Cairn

Declares his love for Myra, kisses her, and discusses Ferrara's visit and Myra's health.

### Myra Duquesne

Recounts Ferrara's unsettling visit and his request for a lock of her hair; shows concern for her health.

### Antony Ferrara

Mentioned as having visited Myra, confessed love, and taken a lock of her hair; described as having a sinister change in demeanor.

### Mr. Saunderson

Mentioned as the orchid enthusiast who allows Myra to tend to his orchids, including a mysterious new one.

## Key lines

> Myra Duquesne came under an arch of roses to the wooden seat where Robert Cairn awaited her.

Myra Duquesne walked through a rose-covered archway to join Robert Cairn on a wooden bench.

_Sets the romantic garden scene._

> He asked for a lock of my hair!

Ferrara requested a piece of Myra's hair.

_Key plot point indicating potential occult use._

> Something evil—sinister, had come into it.

His face took on a malevolent and threatening expression.

_Myra's perception of Ferrara's transformation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters/xxii-myra
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brood_of_the_witch_queen_se/chapters