# In Mine Enemies' House explained — The Black Arrow

> Chapter companion for The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Dick hides in Sir Daniel's house, evades a spy, encounters a young lady who helps him, and is reunited with Joanna Sedley.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Dick disguises himself as a monk and is nearly exposed by a spy.

### Love and Marriage

Dick's mission is driven by his love for Joanna and his desire to rescue her.

## Character check-ins

### Dick Shelton

Hides behind arras, evades a spy, and is discovered by a young lady who helps him.

### Joanna Sedley

Enters the apartment where Dick is hiding, dressed in costly winter attire.

### Will Lawless

Wanders drunkenly through the house, nearly exposing Dick.

### Alicia Risingham

The short young lady in furs who discovers Dick and helps him by hiding him.

### Lord Shoreby

His spy is sent to search the chamber and later killed by Dick.

## Key lines

> Hide me, then,” said Dick, “put me behind the arras, shut me in a chest, or what ye will, so that I may be here on your return.

Dick asks to be concealed so he can remain in the room while the ladies go to supper.

_Shows Dick's desperation and reliance on the women's help._

> Y’are a strange monk, young sir,” returned the young lady, looking him both boldly and shrewdly in the face; “and now that my first astonishment hath somewhat passed away, I can spy the layman in each word you utter.

The young lady sees through Dick's monk disguise, recognizing his speech and manner as those of a layman.

_Highlights the theme of identity and disguise._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters/ii-in-mine-enemies-house
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_arrow_se/chapters