The Dead Secret · Chapter
VI: Another Surprise explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Orridge visits Mrs. Norbury to learn about Mrs. Jazeph's dismissal. Mrs. Norbury recounts how Mrs. Jazeph defended Mrs. Frankland after being sent back, leading to her own dismissal. Mrs. Jazeph leaves without taking unearned wages, and Mr. Orridge tries to gather information about her destination.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Truth
Mrs. Jazeph's mysterious behavior and her refusal to explain her actions, along with her defense of Mrs. Frankland, hint at hidden knowledge and secrets.
Social Class and Identity
The power dynamics between Mrs. Norbury and Mrs. Jazeph highlight class tensions, as a servant dares to contradict her mistress.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Orridge
Visits Mrs. Norbury to investigate Mrs. Jazeph's conduct and learns of her dismissal.
- Mrs. Norbury
Recounts her confrontation with Mrs. Jazeph and her decision to dismiss her for insubordination.
- Mrs. Jazeph
Defends Mrs. Frankland against Mrs. Norbury's accusations, leading to her dismissal; leaves without accepting unearned wages.
- Rosamond Frankland
Mentioned as the one who was frightened by Mrs. Jazeph, prompting her dismissal from the Frankland household.
- Leonard Frankland
Mentioned as having sent Mrs. Jazeph away from his wife.
Key passages
“I am willing to make any apologies, ma'am, for offending you,' she said, 'without the delay of a single minute; but, whether it is tonight, or whether it is tomorrow morning, I can not stand by silent when I hear Mrs. Frankland charged with acting unkindly, uncivilly, or improperly toward me or toward anyone.'”
Mrs. Jazeph agrees to apologize immediately for any offense but insists she cannot remain silent when Mrs. Frankland is unfairly accused.
Mrs. Jazeph's principled stance leads to her dismissal.
“I will leave tomorrow, ma'am,' says she, 'but without troubling the steward. I beg respectfully, and with many thanks for your past kindness, to decline taking a month's money which I have not earned by a month's service.'”
Mrs. Jazeph refuses to accept wages for time not worked, showing her integrity even in dismissal.
Her refusal of unearned money underscores her moral character.