The Haunted Hotel · Chapter
XI explained
Lady Montbarry unexpectedly visits Agnes Lockwood, asking whether Ferrari used Agnes's name to secure employment with Lord Montbarry.
What happens
Lady Montbarry unexpectedly visits Agnes Lockwood, asking whether Ferrari used Agnes's name to secure employment with Lord Montbarry. Agnes confirms it, and Lady Montbarry reacts with shock, speaking of a presentiment of doom and a fascination of terror that draws her to Agnes. Henry Westwick interrupts, but Lady Montbarry insists Agnes will eventually learn Ferrari's fate. The encounter ends with Lady Montbarry leaving, hinting at future revelations.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Retribution
Lady Montbarry expresses a firm belief that Agnes is the instrument of retribution for her past sins, and that she is doomed to face punishment.
Deception and Secrets
The chapter revolves around the secret of Ferrari's disappearance and the hidden motives behind Lady Montbarry's visit and questions.
Fate and Inevitability
Lady Montbarry speaks of a presentiment of calamity and a conviction that her fate is sealed, with Agnes as the catalyst for the inevitable discovery.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Lockwood
Agnes is visited by Lady Montbarry and confirms that Ferrari used her name to gain employment with Lord Montbarry. She is unsettled by Lady Montbarry's strange behavior and prophecies.
- Lady Montbarry
Lady Montbarry confronts Agnes, asking about Ferrari's use of Agnes's name. She displays fear and a sense of retribution, claiming Agnes is the instrument of her doom.
- Henry Westwick
Henry enters during the visit, defends Agnes, and treats Lady Montbarry with contempt. He dismisses her talk as nonsense and suspects she knows Ferrari's fate.
- Mrs. Ferrari
Mentioned as the wife of the missing courier Ferrari; Agnes asks Lady Montbarry for news of him out of mercy for Mrs. Ferrari.
- Lord Montbarry
Referenced as the late husband of Lady Montbarry and the one to whom Ferrari applied for employment using Agnes's name.
Key passages
“In low hesitating tones, with her glittering black eyes bent modestly on the ground, Lady Montbarry opened the interview in those words.”
Lady Montbarry began the conversation softly and hesitantly, keeping her eyes downcast.
Describes Lady Montbarry's unusually timid demeanor at the start of the visit.
“You struck it dead, when you answered my question about Ferrari.”
Your confirmation about Ferrari destroyed the last hope I had.
Lady Montbarry tells Agnes that her answer ended all hope of avoiding her fate.
“I am drawn to you by a fascination of terror. I have no right to visit you, I have no wish to visit you: you are my enemy.”
I am compelled to come to you out of fear, even though I don't want to and you are my adversary.
Lady Montbarry explains her paradoxical attraction to Agnes as a 'fascination of terror.'