The House of Arden · Chapter
III: In Boney’s Times explained
Edred and Elfrida find themselves transported back to 1807, where they are mistaken for children of the Arden household.
What happens
Edred and Elfrida find themselves transported back to 1807, where they are mistaken for children of the Arden household. They encounter a wise woman who prophesies the future, including the French landing in Lymchurch Bay and three signs involving the white Mouldiwarp. Lord Arden initially scoffs but witnesses the signs, leading to a growing belief in the children's strange adventure.
Themes in this chapter
Magic and Adventure
The children's time travel to 1807 and the wise woman's prophecy highlight the magical and adventurous elements.
The Past as a Living Presence
The children experience 1807 as a tangible reality, with the past feeling alive through the wise woman's visions and the Mouldiwarp's appearances.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Elfrida shows courage by kissing the wise woman and resourcefulness in persuading Lord Arden to avoid punishment.
Characters to notice
- Elfrida Arden
Shows compassion by kissing the wise woman, and cleverly persuades Lord Arden to avoid punishment.
- Edred Arden
Feels the weight of the adventure, recognizing they are in 1807 and worrying about being discovered.
- The Mouldiwarp
Appears as a white mole, fulfilling the wise woman's prophecy and providing comfort to Elfrida.
- Lord Arden
Initially stern and skeptical, but softens after Elfrida's plea and witnesses the Mouldiwarp signs.
- Old Betty Lovell
The wise woman who prophesies the future and gives the three signs involving the Mouldiwarp.
Key passages
“Kiss me with your little child’s mouth, that has come back a hundred years to do it.”
The wise woman asks Elfrida to kiss her, as she has traveled from a future time.
Highlights the magical connection between the children and the past.
“Loss to Arden; loss and woe to Arden. The hangings of your house shall be given to the spider, and the mice shall eat your carved furnishings.”
The wise woman predicts the decline of the Arden family estate.
Foreshadows the family's future struggles.
“You shall see the white Mouldiwarp, that is the badge of Arden, on your threshold as you enter.”
The first sign of the prophecy is the appearance of the white mole at the doorstep.
Connects the Mouldiwarp to the Arden family heritage.