# Three Months Afterwards explained — The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume.

## What happens

Three months after the trial, Madge Frettlby is recovering at Yabba Yallook station but remains troubled. Brian Fitzgerald has become moody and irritable, haunted by a secret revealed by a dying woman. A house party includes Felix Rolleston and his new wife, Julia Featherweight, Dr. Chinston, and others. Madge has taken Sal Rawlins into her service as a maid, teaching her to read. Madge questions Sal about the mysterious woman who died in the slum, and Sal begins to reveal the story of how she and Mother Guttersnipe found the woman and summoned Oliver Whyte.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Past and Its Consequences

The trial and the secret from the dying woman continue to haunt Madge and Brian, altering their characters and relationships.

### Social Class and Morality

Madge's decision to employ Sal Rawlins, a 'fallen woman,' challenges social norms and faces opposition from her father.

### Secrecy and Deception

Brian's hidden secret and the mysterious woman's past drive the plot; Madge seeks to uncover the truth.

## Character check-ins

### Madge Frettlby

Recovering from the trial, now grave and beautiful; hosts guests at Yabba Yallook; questions Sal about the mysterious woman.

### Brian Fitzgerald

Moody and irritable, with white hairs; works hard at his station, avoids society, and keeps aloof from Mark Frettlby.

### Sal Rawlins

Now Madge's maid, learning to read; reveals how she and Mother Guttersnipe found the dying woman and summoned Oliver Whyte.

### Felix Rolleston

Recently married to Julia Featherweight; studying politics under his wife's direction.

### Julia Featherweight

Now Mrs. Rolleston; ambitious to shine in Melbourne society, pushes Felix into politics.

### Mark Frettlby

Hosts the party at Yabba Yallook; initially opposed to Sal Rawlins being near Madge but relented.

### Dr. Chinston

Visiting for relaxation, away from his patients.

### Mother Guttersnipe

Objected to Sal becoming Madge's maid but gave in; recognized the dying woman and spoke with her privately.

## Key lines

> Sorrow is a potent enchantress. Once she touches the heart, life can never be quite the same again.

Grief profoundly changes a person, and after experiencing it, one can never return to their former innocence.

_Reflects Madge's transformation from a bright girl to a grave woman after the trial._

> I will tell you all I know.

Sal agrees to reveal everything about the mysterious woman to Madge.

_Sal decides to share the secret, setting up the revelation of the woman's identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se/chapters/xxi-three-months-afterwards
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se/chapters