# II explained — Short Fiction > Chapter companion for Short Fiction by M. R. James. ## What happens Mr. Gregory, the Rector of Parsbury, receives a distressed letter from Mr. Somerton's valet, William Brown, and travels to Steinfeld to aid his friend. He finds Mr. Somerton recovering from a severe shock, who asks him to perform a mysterious task without explanation. Gregory agrees, and after a restless night, completes the task with Brown. Later, Somerton begins to recount the full story. ## Themes in this chapter ### Guardianship of Secrets Mr. Somerton insists on keeping the nature of the mysterious task secret from Mr. Gregory, emphasizing the theme of guarding hidden knowledge. ### Isolation and Psychological Fear Mr. Somerton's terror and the eerie atmosphere of the inn, including the suggestion to lock doors, highlight isolation and fear. ## Character check-ins ### Mr. Gregory The Rector of Parsbury who travels to Steinfeld after receiving a letter from Brown about Mr. Somerton's condition. ### Mr. Somerton The squire and friend of Mr. Gregory, who has suffered a 'nasty shock' and is recovering in bed at Steinfeld. ### Mr. Brown Mr. Somerton's confidential valet, who writes the letter to Mr. Gregory and assists with the mysterious task. ## Key lines > Master has add a Nastey Shock and keeps His Bedd. Mr. Somerton has suffered a severe shock and is confined to bed. _Brown's letter describes Somerton's condition._ > In God’s name, who is that? Startled, Somerton cries out upon hearing someone at the door. _Somerton's fearful reaction to the sound at his bedroom door._ > It’s merely to put back⁠—to keep⁠—something⁠—No; I can’t speak of it yet. Somerton asks Gregory to replace or secure an object but refuses to explain further. _Somerton's cryptic request to Gregory._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters/ii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_35_se/chapters