The Haunted Hotel · Chapter
XXI explained
Agnes and the Montbarry party arrive at the Palace Hotel in Venice.
What happens
Agnes and the Montbarry party arrive at the Palace Hotel in Venice. Due to a room shortage, Agnes is given a room on the second floor, but a mysterious widow, Mrs. James, offers to swap rooms with her, giving Agnes Room 13A. The Countess Narona, in disguise, hides in the wardrobe of Agnes's room. Later, little Marian sees a spot of blood on the ceiling and is terrified. Henry Westwick arrives and expresses concern about the Countess's motives.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrets
The Countess disguises herself as Mrs. James and hides in the wardrobe, deceiving the Montbarry party.
Supernatural and the Unknown
Little Marian's terror at the spot of blood on the ceiling hints at supernatural elements or a haunting.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Lockwood
Agnes arrives at the hotel, accepts the room swap, and later discovers her watch missing. She is affected by Henry's arrival.
- Henry Westwick
Henry arrives from Milan and shows clear pleasure at seeing Agnes. He warns his brother about the Countess.
- Lady Montbarry
Lady Montbarry arranges the room swap and later tries to comfort little Marian after the blood spot incident.
- Countess Narona
The Countess follows Agnes and hides in the wardrobe of Room 13A, then escapes through the dressing-room door.
- Marian
Little Marian is terrified by a spot of blood on the ceiling and refuses to sleep in the room.
- Francis Westwick
Francis is mentioned as having won a legal dispute in Milan and returning to London with Mrs. Norbury.
Key passages
“The new room at once produced a favourable impression on Agnes. The large window, opening into a balcony, commanded an admirable view of the canal.”
Agnes liked the room immediately because it had a balcony overlooking the canal.
Describes Agnes's initial positive reaction to Room 13A.
“It's a spot of blood! the child exclaimed. Take me away! I won't sleep here!”
Marian screamed that she saw a blood spot on the ceiling and begged to leave the room.
Marian's frightened reaction to the ceiling stain.