The Mystery of a Hansom Cab · Chapter
Mark Frettlby Has a Visitor explained
Brian Fitzgerald, still haunted by his recent trial for murder, isolates himself in his lodgings, avoiding friends and society.
What happens
Brian Fitzgerald, still haunted by his recent trial for murder, isolates himself in his lodgings, avoiding friends and society. He receives a telegram from Madge Frettlby inviting him to dinner, and reluctantly agrees to meet her father, Mark Frettlby. At the Frettlby home, Brian and Madge sing and talk, but are interrupted by a cry from Mark's study. Later, they see a man leaving the house whom Brian recognizes as Roger Moreland, a friend of Oliver Whyte and a witness at the trial, causing Brian great alarm.
Themes in this chapter
The Past and Its Consequences
Brian is haunted by his trial and the public's perception, unable to move forward; the appearance of Roger Moreland, a witness from the trial, forces the past back into the present.
Secrecy and Deception
Mark Frettlby's secret meeting with Roger Moreland and his cry of distress suggest hidden dealings; Brian's recognition of Moreland hints at undisclosed connections.
Characters to notice
- Brian Fitzgerald
Isolates himself due to shame from the trial; reluctantly agrees to dine with Madge and her father; recognizes Roger Moreland leaving the house.
- Madge Frettlby
Returns to Melbourne and invites Brian to dinner; sings and talks with him; becomes alarmed by a cry from her father's study.
- Mark Frettlby
Returns to Melbourne; has a visitor in his study; cries out, alarming Madge; later reassures her.
- Mrs. Sampson
Brian's landlady; chatters incessantly and disapproves of his seclusion; brings him the telegram from Madge.
- Roger Moreland
Visits Mark Frettlby; is recognized by Brian as a friend of Oliver Whyte and a trial witness; flees when spotted.
Key passages
“Procrastination is the thief of time.”
Putting things off wastes time.
Brian reflects on his delay in visiting Calton.
“Your eyes bein’ ’ollow... it is nat’ral as it’s want of air... a want of ox-eye-gent... were fearful for pullin’ people down”
Your hollow eyes suggest you need fresh air and oxygen, which can weaken you.
Mrs. Sampson fusses over Brian's health.
“I don’t think she was worth marrying... she wouldn’t have made such a fuss over her health not being drunk.”
Barbara Allen wasn't worth marrying if she got so upset about not being toasted.
Brian comments on the ballad of Barbara Allen.