Short Fiction · Chapter
VIII: Somebody Has Got Into the House explained
Judge Harbottle, tormented by a prophetic dream of his own execution, grows increasingly morose and superstitious as the predicted date approaches.
What happens
Judge Harbottle, tormented by a prophetic dream of his own execution, grows increasingly morose and superstitious as the predicted date approaches. Despite his doctor's advice to rest and prepare for a trip to Buxton, the household is disturbed by a mysterious figure seen by the housekeeper's daughter inside the Judge's locked sedan-chair, which vanishes upon inspection.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Retribution
Judge Harbottle is consumed by guilt and fear over his prophetic dream of execution, which he interprets as a sign of impending retribution for his past misdeeds.
Supernatural and the Uncanny
The chapter features a mysterious figure seen in the Judge's locked sedan-chair, which vanishes without a trace, suggesting a supernatural presence or illusion tied to the Judge's troubled mind.
Characters to notice
- Judge Harbottle
The Judge is in low spirits, haunted by his dream of being hanged, and grows taciturn and morose. He discusses his fears with his housekeeper and doctor, and prepares for his trip to Buxton.
- Flora Carwell
The housekeeper, Mrs. Carwell, is summoned by the Judge to drink tea and discuss his dream. Later, her daughter reports seeing a strange man in the sedan-chair, and Mrs. Carwell investigates, becoming frightened.
- Doctor Robertson
Doctor Hedstone visits the Judge, advises him to rest and go to bed, and warns him about his gout. He is an energetic physician who tries to lift the Judge's spirits.
Key passages
“People remarked that the Judge was in the vapours. His doctor said he should go for a fortnight to Buxton.”
Observers noted the Judge seemed melancholic, and his physician recommended a two-week stay at Buxton for his health.
Highlights the Judge's declining mental state and the medical advice of the era.
“The Judge had lost his iron energy and banter. He was growing taciturn and morose.”
The Judge's usual vigor and humor had faded; he became withdrawn and gloomy.
Describes the Judge's personality change due to his haunting dream.
“To her surprise, the child saw in the shadow a thin man dressed in black seated in it; he had sharp dark features; his nose, she fancied, a little awry, and his brown eyes were looking straight before him; his hand was on his thigh, and he stirred no more than the waxen figure she had seen at Southwark fair.”
The little girl was startled to see a thin, dark-featured man in black sitting motionless inside the sedan-chair, like a wax figure.
Describes the eerie apparition seen by the child, central to the chapter's supernatural element.