The Dead Secret · Chapter
II: Will They Come? explained
The housekeeper at Porthgenna Tower prepares for the arrival of Mr.
What happens
The housekeeper at Porthgenna Tower prepares for the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Frankland, but their visit is delayed by Captain Treverton's death. Eight months pass with no word, then news arrives that Rosamond is expecting a child. A letter finally announces their visit for early May, but after days of waiting, they do not appear, leading the housekeeper to superstitiously fear another death.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition and Fear
The housekeeper's superstitious remark about another death as a warning to stay away from the house underscores the theme of fear and omens.
Family and Estrangement
The delayed visit and the housekeeper's sense of abandonment highlight the estrangement between the Franklands and their ancestral home.
Characters to notice
- Rosamond Frankland
Mrs. Frankland, who insists on moving to Porthgenna despite her husband's objections, preferring the local doctor over others.
- Leonard Frankland
Mr. Frankland, who suggests returning to Long Beckley but defers to his wife's wishes.
- Captain Treverton
Recently deceased, his death causes the initial postponement of the Franklands' visit.
- Mrs. Treverton
Mentioned as the late Mrs. Treverton, whose doctor is favored by Rosamond.
Key passages
“The housekeeper at Porthgenna Tower had just completed the necessary preparations for the reception of her master and mistress... when she was startled by receiving a note sealed with black wax, and surrounded by a thick mourning border.”
The housekeeper had finished getting the house ready for the Franklands when a letter with a black wax seal and mourning border arrived, startling her.
This note announces Captain Treverton's death, delaying the visit.
“She had always, she acknowledged, felt an unreasonable antipathy to the doctor there.”
Rosamond admitted she had always disliked the Long Beckley doctor without good reason.
Her prejudice against the Long Beckley doctor leads her to choose Porthgenna instead.
“We may go to bed. They are not coming. This is the second time they have disappointed us. The first time the Captain's death stood in the way. What stops them now? Another death? I shouldn't wonder if it was.”
The housekeeper concludes the Franklands are not coming, suspecting another death has prevented them.
Her superstitious fear reflects the theme of superstition and fear.