The Four Feathers · Chapter
XVII: The 'Melusine Overture' explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Adair, intrigued by Ethne's reaction to Willoughby's news, observes her without asking questions. Ethne, overjoyed by the story of Harry Feversham's bravery, spends the afternoon in solitude, reflecting on his redemption and her restored pride. She retrieves his portrait and locks it with the white feather. That evening, at Durrance's request, she plays the 'Melusine Overture' on her violin, which she had not played for months. As she plays, she imagines the music reaching Harry across the world. Durrance, listening intently, reveals that he heard the same melody played by a Greek at Wadi Halfa, who was Harry Feversham. This revelation serves as an answer to Ethne's unspoken message, and she is deeply moved.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Ethne's renewed pride and gratitude toward Harry Feversham highlight the theme of love intertwined with sacrifice, as she appreciates his perilous actions for her sake.
Perception and Reality
Durrance misinterprets Ethne's emotional change as a sign of her feelings for him, while the reality is her connection to Harry; the violin serves as a deceptive gauge.
Characters to notice
- Ethne Eustace
Experiences a profound emotional shift, feeling pride and gratitude toward Harry Feversham; plays the violin with deep emotion, imagining a connection with him.
- Durrance
Observes Ethne's change in mood, uses the violin as a test of her feelings, and reveals that he heard the same overture played by Harry Feversham at Wadi Halfa.
- Mrs. Adair
Curious about Ethne's change, she refrains from asking direct questions, preferring to observe and maneuver; she notices the change but does not understand its cause.
- Harry Feversham
Though not present, his story and actions are central; Ethne reflects on his bravery and sacrifice, and Durrance reveals he saw him playing a zither in Wadi Halfa.
Key passages
“Mrs. Adair, on her side, asked for no explanations. She was naturally, behind her pale and placid countenance, a woman of a tortuous and intriguing mind.”
Mrs. Adair did not seek clarification; her calm exterior hid a cunning and scheming nature.
Introduces Mrs. Adair's character and her indirect methods.
“Ethne unlocked a drawer in her dressing-case, and took from it the portrait which alone of all Harry Feversham’s presents she had kept.”
Ethne retrieved the only keepsake she had preserved from Harry, a portrait, from a locked drawer.
Shows Ethne's private reflection and her lingering attachment to Harry.
“The music became a bridge swung in midair across the world, upon which just for these few minutes she and Harry Feversham might meet and shake hands.”
As she played, the music seemed to create a symbolic connection between her and Harry, allowing a brief spiritual meeting.
Highlights the emotional power of music and Ethne's longing for connection.
““Not so strange after all. For the Greek was Harry Feversham.””
Durrance reveals that the Greek musician he heard was actually Harry Feversham in disguise.
Key revelation that links Harry's hidden life to the present moment.