I: Uncle Joseph explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Secrecy and Truth

  The secret letter is central to the chapter, with Rosamond and Leonard confirming its contents and Sarah's identity. Uncle Joseph's ignorance of the secret underscores the theme.

• Family and Estrangement

  Uncle Joseph's love for his niece Sarah and his efforts to bring her back highlight family bonds strained by secrecy and distance.

• Guilt and Redemption

  Rosamond feels guilt for her harsh treatment of Mrs. Jazeph and seeks to make amends by helping Uncle Joseph.

Characters to notice

• Rosamond Frankland

  Reads and analyzes the secret letter, identifies Mrs. Treverton's handwriting, and feels remorse for her harsh treatment of Mrs. Jazeph. She eagerly agrees to help Uncle Joseph bring Sarah back.

• Leonard Frankland

  Listens to Rosamond's reading of the letter and confirms that Mrs. Jazeph, Sarah Leeson, and the servant who fled are the same person. He interjects to prevent Rosamond from revealing too much to Uncle Joseph.

• Sarah Leeson

  Referred to as the niece of Uncle Joseph, the writer of the secret letter and its postscript, and the former servant who hid the letter. Her deteriorating handwriting in letters to Uncle Joseph indicates her declining health and distress.

• Uncle Joseph

  Visits Rosamond and Leonard, explains that Sarah is his niece, and shows them her letters. He pleads for their help to reassure Sarah so she will return to him, revealing his deep love and concern for her.

• Mrs. Jazeph

  Identified as Sarah Leeson, the same person who served as a nurse to Rosamond. Her marriage to Jazeph is described as unhappy, and she is the subject of Uncle Joseph's plea.

• Mrs. Treverton

  Mentioned as the writer of letters to Captain Treverton, whose handwriting Rosamond recognizes in the secret letter's address and signature.

Key passages

• “If this paper should ever be found (which I pray with my whole heart it never may be), I wish to say that I have come to the resolution of hiding it, because I dare not show the writing that it contains to my master, to whom it is addressed.”

  Sarah Leeson explains that she is hiding the letter because she is afraid to show it to her master, even though she is acting against her mistress's last wishes.

  This postscript reveals Sarah's motive for concealing the secret letter and her fear of its consequences.

• “I told you, Madam, that I was frightened and sorry for Sarah when she left me. Now see, if you please, why I got more frightened and more sorry yet, when I have all the four letters that she writes to me.”

  Uncle Joseph explains that Sarah's letters show a worsening handwriting, indicating her declining health and distress.

  Uncle Joseph uses the physical deterioration of the letters to illustrate his growing concern for Sarah's well-being.