# I: Mrs. Stevens Is Frightened explained — The Red House Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne.

## What happens

On a drowsy summer afternoon at the Red House, the household staff discusses the surprising news that Mr. Mark Ablett's brother, Robert, is expected for a visit after fifteen years. Audrey Stevens, the parlourmaid, shows Robert into the office and reports his rude demeanor. Later, the women hear loud bangs and a man's voice shouting to open a door, leading Mrs. Stevens to fear they are all about to be murdered.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Family Dysfunction

The sudden announcement of a brother unseen for fifteen years, and the servants' ignorance of his existence, hints at hidden family tensions and secrets.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Robert's rough appearance and rude manner contrast with the orderly, respectable facade of the Red House, and the staff's initial impressions prove ominous.

## Character check-ins

### Audrey Stevens

The pretty parlourmaid who re-trims her hat, discusses Joe Turner, and shows Robert Ablett into the office.

### Mrs. Stevens

The cook-housekeeper who is frightened by the noises and voices, and warns the girls not to open the door.

### Elsie

A housemaid who confirms the bangs came from inside the house and huddles with the others in fear.

### Mark Ablett

The master of the Red House, who announced his brother's visit at breakfast and is not found in the office or Temple.

### Robert Ablett

Mark's brother from Australia, who arrives at the Red House and is described as rude and poorly dressed.

## Key lines

> In the drowsy heat of the summer afternoon the Red House was taking its siesta.

The Red House was quiet and sleepy in the hot summer afternoon.

_Sets the peaceful, lazy atmosphere before the disturbance._

> Fancy not seeing your brother for fifteen years.

Imagine not having seen your brother for fifteen years.

_Audrey expresses surprise at the long separation between Mark and Robert._

> I said as soon as I set eyes on him, 'You're a bad lot, my man!'

I knew he was trouble the moment I saw him.

_Audrey's immediate negative judgment of Robert after their encounter._

> Don't open the door! ... We're all going to be murdered in our beds.

Don't let him in! We're all going to be killed.

_Mrs. Stevens panics after hearing violent noises and shouting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_house_mystery_se/chapters/i-mrs-stevens-is-frightened
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_house_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_house_mystery_se/chapters