# LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself explained — The Maid of Sker

> Chapter companion for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxiv-susan-quite-acquits-herself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters