# VIII: A Discouraging Day explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

> Chapter companion for The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene.

## What happens

Nancy visits the Horner sisters, then the Mathews brothers and Turner sisters, seeking information about Josiah Crowley's missing will. She learns little concrete evidence but gains leads about Abigail Rowen. Despite discouragement, she offers to help the Horners by commissioning a dress from Grace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resourcefulness and Independence

Nancy uses her own resources to help the Horner sisters by commissioning a dress, despite her own lack of need, demonstrating creative problem-solving.

### Family and Loyalty

The Horner sisters show deep loyalty to each other, with Grace sacrificing for Allie and Allie comforting Grace; the Mathews and Turner relatives also express loyalty to Josiah Crowley's memory.

### Mystery and Detection

Nancy's investigation into the missing will continues as she interviews relatives, gathering clues and leads despite facing discouraging dead ends.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Visits the Horner sisters, Mathews brothers, and Turner sisters; offers to commission a dress from Grace Horner; feels discouraged by lack of progress.

### Grace Horner

Welcomes Nancy; shares her dressmaking struggles; tearfully accepts Nancy's offer of work.

### Allie Horner

Enthusiastically greets Nancy; expresses need for money; comforts Grace after her emotional outburst.

### William Mathews

Farmer and relative of Josiah Crowley; tells Nancy he and his brother filed a complaint about the will; believes a second will exists but has no proof.

### Matilda Turner

One of the Turner sisters; suggests Nancy talk to Abigail Rowen about Josiah Crowley.

### Edna Turner

One of the Turner sisters; doubts Abigail Rowen's memory will be helpful due to her age.

## Key lines

> Rumor! Rumor! That’s all I hear. At my next stop I hope I’ll acquire a few facts!

Nancy expresses frustration that she has only gathered unsubstantiated rumors and hopes to find concrete evidence at her next visit.

_Reflects Nancy's determination and the challenge of the investigation._

> We can get along without the money. We manage very well when I have plenty of work. We’re a little discouraged right now because dressmaking has fallen off.

Grace Horner downplays their financial need, explaining that they cope when she has sewing jobs, but work has been scarce lately.

_Highlights the Horner sisters' pride and precarious economic situation._

> I don’t mind poverty so much for myself, but for Allie—

Grace admits that her own hardship is bearable, but she is deeply troubled by the effect of poverty on her sister Allie.

_Shows Grace's selflessness and protective love for her sister._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/viii-a-discouraging-day
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters