The Hidden Staircase · Chapter
VII: What Can It Mean! explained
Nancy Drew discovers the closet is empty at the Turnbull mansion, but the sisters plead for her help, believing the house is haunted.
What happens
Nancy Drew discovers the closet is empty at the Turnbull mansion, but the sisters plead for her help, believing the house is haunted. Despite her protests that she is not a detective, Nancy agrees to investigate the mystery for free. She returns home late, explains the situation to her father Carson Drew, and convinces him to let her stay at the mansion for a week while he is away on business. He gives her a revolver for protection, suspecting the ghost may be more dangerous than it seems.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and the Supernatural
The chapter deepens the mystery of the haunted mansion, with Nancy determined to uncover the truth behind the strange events.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Nancy shows bravery by agreeing to stay at the mansion and resourcefulness in planning her investigation.
Family and Heritage
Carson Drew's protective concern for Nancy and the Turnbull sisters' attachment to their ancestral home emphasize family bonds and legacy.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Discovers the closet empty, agrees to investigate the mansion's mystery, and persuades her father to let her stay for a week.
- Floretta Turnbull
Clinging to her sister in fear, she protests calling the police and begs Nancy to take the case.
- Rosemary Turnbull
Pleads with Nancy to help, offers payment, and agrees to keep Nancy's visit a secret.
- Carson Drew
Worried about Nancy's lateness, listens to her story, reluctantly gives permission for her visit, and provides a revolver for safety.
Key passages
“Empty! Nancy Drew announced, as she flung open the closet door and looked carefully inside. There's no one here now, at least!”
Nancy declared the closet empty after opening it and checking thoroughly, noting that no one was currently hiding there.
Nancy confirms the closet is empty, setting the stage for the ongoing mystery.
“I'll be glad to do anything I can, Nancy promised willingly. But of course I'll not take money.”
Nancy agreed to help without accepting payment, showing her altruistic nature.
Nancy insists on helping the Turnbull sisters for free, emphasizing her genuine interest in solving the mystery.
“I've certainly struck a real mystery, she mused thoughtfully, as she drove along the smooth road. The Mansion is haunted all right, but it's haunted by a flesh and blood ghost unless I miss my guess!”
Nancy reflected that she had encountered a genuine mystery, believing the haunting was caused by a real person rather than a supernatural entity.
Nancy theorizes that the ghost is human, showing her logical approach to the case.
“You win, Nancy. Your eloquence would convince a jury.”
Carson Drew conceded to Nancy's persuasive arguments, comparing her skill to that of a lawyer.
Mr. Drew acknowledges Nancy's persuasive ability, allowing her to pursue the investigation.