The Sword of Damocles · Chapter
Morning explained
Cicely Stuyvesant waits anxiously for her father, holding a letter from Mr.
What happens
Cicely Stuyvesant waits anxiously for her father, holding a letter from Mr. Sylvester. Mr. Stuyvesant reads the letter, which concerns a bank robbery and a request for a meeting. He departs with an unusual display of affection, leaving Cicely troubled. Meanwhile, Paula, having resolved her feelings for Mr. Sylvester, finds a key and a note from him, instructing her to open his secret study if he does not return by seven o'clock.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Past Sins
Mr. Sylvester's secret study and his cryptic note to Paula hint at hidden truths and past actions.
Love and Sacrifice
Paula's unwavering faith in Mr. Sylvester and Cicely's silent suffering for her lover highlight the theme of love and sacrifice.
Appearance vs. Reality
The bright morning contrasts with the inner turmoil of the characters, and Mr. Sylvester's composed exterior may hide deeper troubles.
Characters to notice
- Cicely Stuyvesant
Anxious and troubled, waiting for her father with a letter from Mr. Sylvester.
- Mr. Stuyvesant
Receives the letter, appears worried, and gives Cicely a rare kiss before leaving.
- Paula
Radiant and peaceful, having resolved her feelings for Mr. Sylvester, but becomes troubled upon finding his note and key.
- Mr. Sylvester
Not present but central; his letter and note drive the chapter's events.
- Aunt Belinda
Mentions Mr. Sylvester's early departure and observes his serious demeanor.
Key passages
“Two maidens by one fountain’s joyous brink, And one was sad and one had cause for sadness.”
Two young women are at a joyful place, but one is sad and the other has reason to be sad.
Opening epigraph sets the tone for the contrasting moods of Cicely and Paula.
“A rose-leaf of care lay on the tremulous waters of her soul, and her sensitive nature thrilled under it.”
A small worry disturbed Cicely's delicate feelings.
Describes Cicely's anxiety.
“She had been so bright and lovesome yesterday at this time.”
Yesterday she was cheerful and lovely.
Contrasts Cicely's previous happiness with her current sadness.
“The assurance was too sweet, the flood of feeling too overwhelming.”
The certainty of her love was so powerful it overwhelmed her.
Paula's emotional state as she embraces the bronze statue.
“If I send you no word to the contrary, and if I do not come back by seven o’clock this evening, go to the room of which this is the key, open my desk, and read what I have prepared for your eyes.”
If you don't hear from me and I'm not back by seven, use the key to enter my study and read what I've left for you.
Mr. Sylvester's mysterious instructions to Paula.