The Haunted Hotel · Chapter
XV explained
Agnes Lockwood writes to Mrs.
What happens
Agnes Lockwood writes to Mrs. Ferrari about the wedding of Arthur Barville and Miss Haldane, where Henry Westwick proposes a reunion in Venice, leading to a plan that unexpectedly draws Agnes to Venice despite her uneasy memory of the Countess Narona's ominous parting words.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Inevitability
Agnes's journey to Venice unfolds despite her misgivings, echoing the Countess Narona's prophecy of a final meeting.
Deception and Secrets
The cheerful wedding and travel plans contrast with the underlying supernatural warnings and hidden past.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Lockwood
Writes to Mrs. Ferrari describing the wedding and later receives a summons to join Lord and Lady Montbarry in Venice, recalling the Countess Narona's prophecy.
- Henry Westwick
Proposes the reunion in Venice at the wedding breakfast and decides to go ahead to test the new hotel.
- Arthur Barville
Marries Miss Haldane; described as 'born to good luck' by Agnes.
- Miss Haldane
Bride at the wedding; praised for her beauty and composure.
- Lady Montbarry
Writes to Agnes from Paris, persuading Lord Montbarry to continue to Venice and requesting Agnes to bring the children.
- Lord Montbarry
Agrees to go on to Venice after persuasion from Lady Montbarry.
Key passages
“I promised to give you some account, dear Emily, of the marriage of Mr. Arthur Barville and Miss Haldane.”
Agnes writes to Emily about Arthur Barville and Miss Haldane's wedding.
Opening of the letter summarizing the wedding event.
“We shall meet again—here in England, or there in Venice where my husband died—and meet for the last time.”
The Countess Narona's prophecy that she and Agnes will meet again, possibly in Venice.
Agnes recalls the Countess's ominous words as she prepares to travel to Venice.