The Hidden Staircase · Chapter
VI: The Ghost Calls Again explained
Nancy Drew accompanies Rosemary Turnbull to The Mansion, where she meets Floretta Turnbull and learns of the mysterious disappearance of Floretta's diamond bar pin.
What happens
Nancy Drew accompanies Rosemary Turnbull to The Mansion, where she meets Floretta Turnbull and learns of the mysterious disappearance of Floretta's diamond bar pin. Despite locked doors and screened windows, the heirloom vanished while Floretta briefly spoke to the iceman. Nancy investigates the room and considers the possibility of a hidden thief, ultimately opening a closet door to search for answers.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and the Supernatural
The chapter deepens the mystery with the theft of the diamond pin under seemingly impossible conditions, reinforcing the eerie atmosphere of The Mansion.
Family and Heritage
The Turnbull sisters' pride in their family history is highlighted through the ancestral portraits and the heirloom pin, symbolizing a legacy that is fading.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Nancy demonstrates bravery by investigating the locked room and opening the closet door despite the sisters' fears.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Visits The Mansion with Rosemary, investigates the theft of Floretta's diamond bar pin, and examines the room for clues.
- Rosemary Turnbull
Escorts Nancy to The Mansion, expresses unease about the ghostly occurrences, and comforts her sister Floretta after the theft.
- Floretta Turnbull
Agitated over the loss of her diamond bar pin, an heirloom, which vanished while she let the iceman into the kitchen.
- Abigail Rowen
Mentioned as having been visited by Rosemary earlier; Nancy says goodbye to her at the chapter's start.
Key passages
““My great great grandfather,” Rosemary commented, indicating one of the pictures which had attracted Nancy’s interest. “He fought in the Revolution. I am sure if he were living today no ghost would dare invade The Mansion,” and Rosemary smiled slightly.”
Rosemary points to a portrait of her great-great-grandfather, a Revolutionary War veteran, and jokes that no ghost would dare haunt the house if he were still alive.
Highlights the family's proud heritage and the contrast between past strength and present vulnerability.
““It’s my diamond bar pin! It’s gone!” “Oh, Floretta, are you sure? Perhaps you misplaced it.” “No, it’s gone. I’ve looked everywhere. Oh, what shall I do? I can’t bear to lose it!””
Floretta frantically announces that her diamond bar pin is missing, insisting it was stolen, while Rosemary suggests she might have misplaced it.
Introduces the central theft mystery of the chapter.
““I see now,” Nancy said quietly. She crossed the room and examined the screens carefully. Apparently they had not been touched, for an accumulation of dust was undisturbed.”
Nancy inspects the window screens and finds them dusty and undisturbed, ruling out entry through the windows.
Demonstrates Nancy's methodical investigation and sharp observation.
““Then how did the thief get in?” Rosemary cried. “Floretta’s bar pin couldn’t have walked off by itself!” “I wish I could tell you what became of the pin, but I can’t,” Nancy said regretfully. “I’m as puzzled as you are.””
Rosemary exclaims in frustration that the pin couldn't vanish on its own, and Nancy admits she is equally baffled by the theft.
Emphasizes the perplexing nature of the crime and Nancy's honesty about her uncertainty.