The Maid of Sker · Chapter
LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself explained
Susan Shapland recounts her time as nurse at Narnton Court, describing the twin children of the Princess—a lively girl named Bertha (called Bardie) and a quieter boy named Philip.
What happens
Susan Shapland recounts her time as nurse at Narnton Court, describing the twin children of the Princess—a lively girl named Bertha (called Bardie) and a quieter boy named Philip. She details their disappearance during a dance, the suspicion falling on Captain Drake Bampfylde, and the aftermath including the Princess's death and Squire Philip's withdrawal.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Orphanhood
The disappearance of the twin children and the subsequent collapse of the family, with Squire Philip retreating into grief.
Morality and Hypocrisy
The accusations against Drake Bampfylde highlight moral failings and the hypocrisy of those who judge based on motive and circumstance.
Truth and Narrative Reliability
Susan's story is presented as a subjective account, with the narrator noting the need to let her 'say her say' without contradiction, raising questions about the reliability of memory and testimony.
Characters to notice
- Bardie
Described as a lively, precocious child who called herself 'Bardie,' danced on tables, and spoke with charming mispronunciations.
- Sir Philip Bampfylde
The quiet twin boy, Philip, who had golden curls and was slow to speak; later referred to as 'poor Squire Philip' after the tragedy.
- Captain Drake Bampfylde
Accused of orchestrating the children's disappearance for inheritance and marriage motives; seven reasons are given against him.
- Mrs. Shapland
Former nurse Susan Moggeridge (now Mrs. Shapland) tells the full story of the twins and the suspicious events.
- Miss Isabel Carey
Mentioned as the heiress who favored Drake Bampfylde, giving him a motive for the crime.
- Parson Chowne
Active in the search; gave a significant shake of the head when the Captain could not be found.
Key passages
“It really does seem as wise a plan as any I am acquainted with, to let this good woman act according to the constitution of her sex—that is to say, to say her say, and never be contradicted.”
The narrator decides it is best to let Susan tell her story without interruption.
Sets up the narrative approach for the chapter.
“I’se Bardie, I tell ’a; and evelybody knows it.”
The little girl insists everyone should know her name is Bardie.
Shows Bardie's spirited personality.
“Drake Bampfylde would gain everything—the succession to the title and estates, and the immediate right to aspire to the hand of the beautiful heiress, Miss Carey, who was known to favour him.”
Drake Bampfylde had a strong motive: inheriting the title and marrying Miss Carey.
Key motive for the accusation against Drake.