Short Fiction · Chapter
The Duke's Reappearance explained
Christopher Swetman shelters a mysterious stranger on the night of July 6, 1685, who is later suspected to be the Duke of Monmouth after the Battle of Sedgemoor.
What happens
Christopher Swetman shelters a mysterious stranger on the night of July 6, 1685, who is later suspected to be the Duke of Monmouth after the Battle of Sedgemoor. The stranger borrows clothes, helps with chores, and attempts to kiss Swetman's daughter Leonard, leading to his expulsion. Swetman later learns of Monmouth's execution, yet the stranger returns to retrieve his belongings, fueling a family tradition that the Duke survived.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
The stranger's hidden identity and Swetman's concealment of his guest reflect themes of secrecy and deception.
Fate and Coincidence
The stranger's arrival on the night of the battle and the later reappearance to retrieve his belongings suggest fateful coincidences.
Sacrifice and Duty
Swetman's duty to protect his daughters and his sacrifice in harboring a fugitive highlight this theme.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Swetman
The yeoman who shelters the mysterious stranger, later suspected to be the Duke of Monmouth.
- Grace
One of Christopher Swetman's daughters, enjoined to secrecy about the stranger.
- Leonard
Christopher Swetman's other daughter, who resists the stranger's advances.
Key passages
“It was a cloudy July morning just before dawn, the hour of two having been struck by Swetman’s one-handed clock on the stairs, that is still preserved in the family.”
On a cloudy July morning just before dawn, Swetman's one-handed clock struck two, and the clock is still kept by the family.
Setting the scene for the stranger's arrival.
“He that asks no questions will hear no lies from me.”
If you don't ask questions, I won't have to lie.
The stranger's evasive response to Swetman's inquiry.
“I have taken ’ee into my house, at some jeopardy to myself; and, whoever you be, the least I expected of ’ee was to treat the maidens with a seemly respect.”
I risked my safety by letting you into my home, and I expected you to treat my daughters with proper respect.
Swetman's anger at the stranger's behavior toward his daughter.