The Story of Ivy · Chapter
XVIII explained
The morning after Gretorex's trial, Ivy awakens with relief, planning a rest cure at Lady Flora's cottage.
What happens
The morning after Gretorex's trial, Ivy awakens with relief, planning a rest cure at Lady Flora's cottage. She enjoys seeing her picture in the papers but is upset when a maid mentions Gretorex. Nurse Bradfield expresses doubt about Gretorex's guilt. Later, Enid Dent visits, urging Ivy to help prove Gretorex's innocence, but Ivy deflects by invoking Jervis. Ivy receives a cable from Rushworth announcing his return, which fills her with ecstasy. She burns the cable and goes to telegraph him. Upon returning, she finds Enid waiting, and after a tense exchange, Ivy feigns tears to manipulate the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
Ivy deceives herself about her own feelings and manipulates others with tears, while Enid suspects Ivy is shielding the real murderer.
Love and Obsession
Enid's love for Roger Gretorex drives her desperate plea to Ivy; Ivy's obsession with Rushworth's return overshadows all else.
Crime and Justice
The aftermath of the trial raises doubts about Gretorex's guilt, and Enid seeks to uncover the truth before the appeal.
Characters to notice
- Ivy Lexton
Awakens with relief after the trial, enjoys her newspaper photo, but is upset by mention of Gretorex; receives Rushworth's cable and burns it; manipulates Enid Dent with tears.
- Nurse Bradfield
Looks wan and worn, unable to sleep; expresses doubt about Gretorex's guilt and comforts Ivy.
- Enid Dent
Visits Ivy on behalf of Mrs. Gretorex, pleads for help to prove Gretorex's innocence, and confronts Ivy about her possible knowledge of the real murderer.
- Miles Rushworth
Sends a cable to Ivy announcing his sister's death and his imminent return, which fills Ivy with ecstasy.
- Jervis Lexton
Mentioned by Ivy as being forgotten; his mysterious death is the subject of the trial.
- Roger Gretorex
Mentioned frequently; his trial concluded, and his innocence is doubted by Nurse Bradfield and passionately defended by Enid Dent.
Key passages
“How marvellous to know that her ordeal was over. All over—all over! That from now on she need never see any of the people who had been connected with this awful episode in her life.”
Ivy feels immense relief that the trial is finished and she can cut ties with everyone involved.
Highlights Ivy's self-centered relief and desire to escape her past.
“I do know how you must feel about that, but it's only natural for Mrs. Gretorex, and the friends of Roger Gretorex, to be thinking of him rather than of your husband, Mrs. Lexton.”
Enid acknowledges Ivy's grief for Jervis but explains that Roger's loved ones are focused on his innocence.
Shows the tension between Ivy's claim to victimhood and the Gretorex camp's priorities.
“Not only do I believe, but certain people, whose opinion you no doubt would value far more than mine, believe too, that you know Roger Gretorex to be innocent!”
Enid accuses Ivy of knowing the truth about Roger's innocence and warns that the real culprit will be found.
Enid's confrontation escalates the suspicion that Ivy is hiding something.