The Haunted Hotel · Chapter
XVI explained
Agnes and the children arrive in Paris on September 20th, where Mrs.
What happens
Agnes and the children arrive in Paris on September 20th, where Mrs. Norbury and Francis Westwick have already departed early for Italy on a business trip to find dancers for a new ballet. Henry Westwick, on his way to the opening of the new hotel in Venice, stops in Paris and renews his addresses to Agnes, but she refuses him, still grieving for Lord Montbarry. Lady Montbarry advises Henry to wait and trust in time. Henry leaves for Venice but soon sends a telegram from Milan stating he has left the hotel and will return only when Arthur and his wife arrive, leaving the reason unexplained.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Henry's renewed but rejected addresses to Agnes highlight the lingering devotion she feels for the unworthy Lord Montbarry, complicating the possibility of new love.
Deception and Secrets
Henry's unexplained telegram from Milan, stating he has left the hotel without reason, introduces a mystery that hints at hidden events in Venice.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Lockwood
Agnes arrives in Paris with the children; she is depressed and weary despite the gaieties, and refuses Henry's renewed addresses, still devoted to Lord Montbarry's memory.
- Henry Westwick
Henry travels to Paris on his way to Venice, renews his addresses to Agnes but is refused; follows Lady Montbarry's advice to wait, then departs for Venice but sends a cryptic telegram from Milan saying he has left the hotel.
- Francis Westwick
Francis has already left for Italy with his sister Mrs. Norbury, three weeks early, to search for dancers for his new ballet entertainment.
- Lady Montbarry
Lady Montbarry remains in Paris with the Montbarrys; she advises Henry to wait and trust in time, and promises to help him with Agnes.
- Mrs. Norbury
Mrs. Norbury accompanies her brother Francis to Italy early, visiting friends in Florence.
Key passages
“She is the truest woman that ever breathed the breath of life. Remember that, and you will understand her. Can such a woman as Agnes give her love or refuse it, according to circumstances? Because the man was unworthy of her, was he less the man of her choice?”
Lady Montbarry explains to Henry that Agnes's unwavering loyalty to Lord Montbarry, despite his unworthiness, is a testament to her true character; her love is not swayed by circumstance.
This passage underscores the theme of love and loyalty, and explains Agnes's refusal of Henry.
“I have left the hotel. Will return on the arrival of Arthur and his wife. Address, meanwhile, Albergo Reale, Milan.”
Henry sends a terse telegram from Milan stating he has departed the Venice hotel and will only come back when Arthur and his wife arrive, giving no explanation.
This cryptic message creates suspense and hints at a mysterious event that has driven Henry away from the hotel.