From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Betrayal

  Norah's loyalty to Magdalen contrasts with the potential betrayal implied by Mrs. Lecount's involvement.

• Secrecy and Revelation

  Magdalen's hidden whereabouts and the hope of a meeting create an atmosphere of secrecy and anticipated revelation.

Characters to notice

• Norah Vanstone

  Writes to Mr. Pendril, asserting her determination to see Mrs. Lecount and not abandon her sister Magdalen.

• Mr. Pendril

  Recipient of Norah's letter; she acknowledges his advice but insists on her own course of action.

• Mrs. Lecount

  Subject of the meeting Norah insists on; she may have information about Magdalen.

• Magdalen Vanstone

  Mentioned as having sent a few lines to Norah, holding out hope of a meeting.

• Miss Garth

  Norah has written to her to be present at the meeting with Mrs. Lecount.

Key passages

• “Pray don’t think I am ungrateful for your kindness. Indeed, indeed I am not! But I must see Mrs. Lecount.”

  Please don't believe I'm unthankful for your help—I truly am not! However, I have to meet with Mrs. Lecount.

  Norah asserts her determination despite acknowledging Mr. Pendril's kindness.

• “You know, dear Mr. Pendril, I have always been obstinate on this subject, and you have always borne with me. Let me owe another obligation to you which I can never return, and bear with me still!”

  You know I've always been stubborn about this, and you've been patient with me. Let me ask for your patience once more, even though I can never repay you.

  Norah acknowledges her own obstinacy and appeals to Mr. Pendril's continued forbearance.