# The Usher Resigns His Situation explained — The Trail of the Serpent

> Chapter companion for The Trail of the Serpent by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Dr. Tappenden returns home to find that his trusted usher, Jabez North, has disappeared. Upon investigation, he discovers his desk has been broken into and blank cheques stolen. A body is later found on Halford Heath, identified as Jabez North, with evidence suggesting suicide. A letter found in the desk reveals a hopeless attachment to the Doctor's daughter, explaining the motive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duality and Deception

Jabez North, the trusted usher, is revealed to have broken into the desk and stolen cheques, showing a deceptive nature hidden behind a facade of reliability.

### Family and Secrets

The letter found in the desk reveals a secret attachment to Dr. Tappenden's daughter, hinting at hidden emotions and family dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Tappenden

Returns home to Slopperton and discovers the disappearance of Jabez North and the theft of his chequebook.

### Jabez North

The usher who has disappeared; his body is later found on Halford Heath with evidence of suicide.

### Miss Smithers

The household keeper who nervously informs Dr. Tappenden of Jabez North's absence.

### Miss Tappenden

Dr. Tappenden's daughter, who is the object of Jabez North's hopeless attachment according to the letter.

## Key lines

> usher’s must have broken open the desk in the study, and the unfortunate young man’s reputation had been involved in a strange coincidence.

The usher likely forced open the desk, and the poor young man's good name was caught up in an odd twist of fate.

_Reflects the theme of duality and deception as the trusted usher is implicated in theft._

> It is addressed to the Doctor, expresses heartfelt gratitude for that worthy gentleman’s past kindnesses, and hints darkly at a hopeless attachment to his daughter, which renders the writer’s existence a burden too heavy for him to bear.

The letter thanks the Doctor for his kindness and suggests a secret, unrequited love for his daughter, making life unbearable.

_Reveals the secret attachment that motivates the usher's actions, tying into family secrets._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/vii-the-usher-resigns-his-situation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters