# VII: The Stapletons of Merripit House explained — The Hound of the Baskervilles > Chapter companion for The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle. ## What happens Watson and Sir Henry's first morning at Baskerville Hall is bright and cheerful, but Watson recalls hearing a woman sobbing during the night. Barrymore denies it, but Watson later sees Mrs. Barrymore with red, swollen eyes, suggesting she was the one crying. Watson visits the Grimpen postmaster to verify the delivery of a test telegram to Barrymore, but learns it was given to Mrs. Barrymore, not directly to him, leaving Barrymore's whereabouts uncertain. On his walk back, Watson meets Stapleton, a naturalist, who discusses the legend of the hound and Sir Charles's death. Stapleton invites Watson to Merripit House, where he meets Miss Stapleton. She warns Watson to leave the moor and return to London, but is interrupted by her brother. Watson returns to Baskerville Hall, troubled by the mystery. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Disguise Barrymore's lie about his wife's sobbing and the uncertain delivery of the telegram suggest hidden motives and deceit. ### Isolation and Landscape The bleak moor and Merripit House's melancholy setting emphasize the characters' physical and emotional isolation. ### The Power of the Past The legend of the hound and Sir Charles's death continue to influence present events, haunting the Baskerville family. ## Character check-ins ### Dr. Watson Narrates the chapter; investigates the sobbing and the telegram; meets the Stapletons and receives a warning from Miss Stapleton. ### Sir Henry Baskerville Breakfasts with Watson; dismisses the gloom of the Hall; remains unaware of the deeper mysteries. ### Barrymore Denies that his wife could have been sobbing; his pallor and lie raise suspicion about his involvement in Sir Charles's death. ### Mrs. Barrymore Seen with red, swollen eyes, confirming she was the one sobbing; her distress adds to the mystery. ### Mr. Stapleton Introduces himself as a naturalist; discusses the legend of the hound and Sir Charles's death; invites Watson to Merripit House. ### Miss Stapleton Warns Watson to leave the moor and take Sir Henry with him; her intense earnestness suggests hidden danger. ## Key lines > I guess it is ourselves and not the house that we have to blame! Sir Henry suggests that their gloomy mood, not the house itself, made the Hall seem dark the previous night. _Reflects Sir Henry's optimistic nature and the contrast between perception and reality._ > I heard it distinctly, and I am sure that it was really the sob of a woman. Watson insists he heard a woman crying during the night, contradicting Barrymore's denial. _Highlights Watson's observational skills and the growing mystery surrounding the Barrymores._ > I have run all the way in order to cut you off, Dr. Watson. I had not even time to put on my hat. I must not stop, or my brother may miss me. I wanted to say to you Miss Stapleton intercepts Watson on his return, urgently warning him without her brother's knowledge. _Shows her desperation and the secret danger she perceives, adding tension to the plot._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles/chapters/vii-the-stapletons-of-merripit-house - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles/chapters