# The Wyvern Mystery — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Wyvern Mystery by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

- [Alice Maybell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/i-alice-maybell.md): Alice Maybell bids farewell to her aunt, Lady Wyndale, at Oulton before returning to Wyvern. Their conversation touches on Lord Tremaine's interest in Alice, the Fairfield family, and Alice's unspoken troubles. Despite h
- [II: The Vale of Carwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/ii-the-vale-of-carwell.md): Alice Maybell, traveling with her nurse Dulcibella, diverts their chaise to Carwell Grange under a veil of secrecy, encountering a mysterious woman in a carriage along the dark, narrow road.
- [III: The Grange](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/iii-the-grange.md): Alice Maybell travels to Carwell Grange, encountering a mysterious veiled woman who blocks her path and inquires about her destination. Upon arrival, she meets the caretaker Mrs. Tarnley, who shows her a letter that caus
- [IV: The Old Squire and Alice Maybell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/iv-the-old-squire-and-alice-maybell.md): This chapter introduces Wyvern, the ancestral home of the Fairfield family, and its aging, grim master, Old Squire Henry Fairfield. It describes his two disappointing sons, Charles and Henry, and his bitter, isolated old
- [V: The Terrace Garden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/v-the-terrace-garden.md): Alice Maybell, now a pretty but lonely young woman, is rumored in Wyvern to be in love with the old Squire or his estate. The Squire confronts his servant Tom about gossip, then finds Alice crying in the terrace garden. 
- [VI: The Old Squire Unlike Himself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/vi-the-old-squire-unlike-himself.md): In this chapter, the old Squire Fairfield behaves uncharacteristically, hinting at a proposal to Alice Maybell. After a tense evening in the drawing-room, he makes his intentions clear, offering her wealth and position i
- [The Squire's Eldest Son Comes Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/vii-the-squire-s-eldest-son-comes-home.md): Old Squire Harry, now transformed into an unwelcome suitor, horrifies Alice Maybell with his proposal. His son Charles Fairfield returns home to Wyvern, but the Squire's hostility toward him grows as he sees Charles as a
- [Never Did Run Smooth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/viii-never-did-run-smooth.md): The chapter depicts the deepening conflict between Charles Fairfield and his father, the old Squire, during a tense Sunday service at Wyvern. Meanwhile, a secret romantic rendezvous occurs between Alice Maybell and her l
- [IX: In Which the Squire Loses His Gold-Headed Cane](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/ix-in-which-the-squire-loses-his-gold-headed-cane.md): Charles Fairfield attempts to bid farewell to his father, Old Squire Harry, but a confrontation erupts when the Squire reveals a letter from Alice Maybell, who has left Wyvern. Charles admits she is his wife, enraging th
- [X: The Drive Over Cressley Common by Moonlight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/x-the-drive-over-cressley-common-by-moonlight.md): After Alice's departure, the Old Squire of Wyvern rages and grieves alone, cursing her and Charles while ordering her room cleared. Meanwhile, Alice and Dulcibella travel by chaise across Cressley Common under moonlight.
- [Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xi-home.md): Alice and Charles Fairfield arrive at Carwell Grange, their new home, after eloping. Alice is filled with romantic idealism about their future together, but Charles's anxiety about the quarrel with the old squire and the
- [The Omen of Carwell Grange](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xii-the-omen-of-carwell-grange.md): Alice Maybell arrives at Carwell Grange with Charles Fairfield, who tries to make the gloomy, isolated house feel welcoming. She is greeted by the forbidding old servant Mildred Tarnley and a young girl, Lilly Dogger. Af
- [XIII: An Inspection of Carwell Grange](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xiii-an-inspection-of-carwell-grange.md): Alice arrives at Carwell Grange and is shown to her room by old Mildred Tarnley and Dulcibella Crane. She feels uneasy but is reassured by Charles's cheerful singing. They share their first tea in their new home, and the
- [XIV: A Letter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xiv-a-letter.md): Alice and Charles discuss household purchases and their strained finances. Charles receives a letter addressed to his servant under a pseudonym, revealing his need for secrecy due to debts and his father's anger. He anno
- [XV: Harry Arrives](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xv-harry-arrives.md): Henry Fairfield arrives at Carwell Grange, joking boisterously with Charles and Alice. He reports on the old Squire's anger and warns Charles to stay away. Harry reveals he has risked his own standing to help them and as
- [A Party of Three](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xvi-a-party-of-three.md): Harry Fairfield visits Charles and Alice at Carwell Grange, discussing the sale of a gray hunter and Charles's financial troubles. After Harry leaves, Alice is left with a sense of unease, feeling that her husband and br
- [Mildred Tarnley's Warning Story](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xvii-mildred-tarnley-s-warning-story.md): Alice Fairfield, curious about a strange vision she saw on the gallery, invites the old servant Mildred Tarnley to tell her the history of Carwell Grange. Mildred reluctantly recounts a grim tale of the Fairfield family:
- [XVIII: The Brothers’ Walk](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xviii-the-brothers-walk.md): Harry and Charles walk together at night, discussing Charles's financial troubles and the anger of the old squire. Harry advises frugality and secrecy, while Charles worries about supporting Alice and considers selling C
- [XIX: Coming In](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xix-coming-in.md): Charles returns late to Carwell Grange, prompting a tender but strained conversation with Alice. She pleads for him to share his anxieties, but he evades full disclosure. As days pass in monotonous solitude, Charles grow
- [XX: Harry Appears at the Grange](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xx-harry-appears-at-the-grange.md): Charles Fairfield receives a visit from his brother Harry at the Grange. Harry brings news from Wyvern and reports that the old squire is crosser than ever. He also delivers troubling news about a woman in Hoxton who is 
- [Harry's Beer and Conversation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxi-harry-s-beer-and-conversation.md): Harry and Charles Fairfield have a tense conversation about the mysterious woman from Hoxton who claims to be Charles's wife. Charles is anxious about the potential threat to his marriage to Alice Maybell and the legitim
- [The Trout](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxii-the-trout.md): Charles Fairfield goes trout fishing in the glen near Carwell to escape his anxieties, but his mind is troubled by the changed demeanor of his brother Harry and the threat of a mysterious woman who may be plotting agains
- [The Visitor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxiii-the-visitor.md): Lady Wyndale visits Alice at Carwell Grange, having discovered her whereabouts from the housekeeper at Wyvern. Alice explains that Charles insisted on secrecy due to his financial troubles and a quarrel with his father. 
- [XXIV: The Summons](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxiv-the-summons.md): Charles Fairfield wrestles with the secret of a mysterious claim against him, torn between confessing to Alice and protecting her from the truth. After a tense night where Alice, already distraught, begs him to reveal hi
- [Lilly Dogger Is Sent to Bed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxv-lilly-dogger-is-sent-to-bed.md): Lilly Dogger, a young servant girl, is scolded and sent to bed by the harsh Mrs. Tarnley after finishing her chores late at night. Once in bed, Lilly becomes curious about Mrs. Tarnley's secretive behavior, including bar
- [The Lady Has Her Tea](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxvi-the-lady-has-her-tea.md): A mysterious blind lady arrives at Carwell Grange and interrogates Lilly Dogger about the Fairfield family, learning that Charles Fairfield is the master and that Harry Fairfield is seldom there. She also questions Mildr
- [XXVII: Through the House](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxvii-through-the-house.md): Mildred Tarnley assists a mysterious tall lady who has arrived at the house. The lady experiences a strange fit or seizure, then recovers and is led through the house to a warm bedroom. She asks about Master Harry and hi
- [The Bell Rings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxviii-the-bell-rings.md): In the dead of night, Mrs. Tarnley is roused by a bell from Alice's room, who anxiously inquires if Charles has arrived. Mildred lies to calm her, then tends to the mysterious woman (the Vrau) upstairs, all while wrestli
- [Tom Is Ordered Up](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxix-tom-is-ordered-up.md): Mrs. Tarnley wakes Tom from his sleep and instructs him to go out and meet the master (Charles Fairfield) on Cressley Common. She warns him that the big woman from Hoxton, who has been causing trouble for Master Harry, h
- [The Old Soldier Grows More Friendly, and Frightens Mrs. Tarnley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxx-the-old-soldier-grows-more-friendly-and-frightens-mrs-tarnley.md): The mysterious 'Dutchwoman' (old soldier) attempts to win over Mildred Tarnley with promises of future rewards when she becomes lady of Wyvern, but Mildred remains wary and refuses her offers of brandy. The old soldier g
- [XXXI: News from Cressley Common](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxi-news-from-cressley-common.md): Mildred Tarnley anxiously awaits news from Cressley Common, fearing the arrival of Charles Fairfield and the exposure of the secret involving Alice and the blind woman. She sends Tom to intercept Charles, who decides not
- [An Unlooked-for Return](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxii-an-unlooked-for-return.md): Charles Fairfield returns unexpectedly to Carwell Grange late at night, exhausted and suicidal. Mildred Tarnley confronts him about his responsibilities to Alice Maybell and the mysterious woman who has arrived, urging h
- [Charles Fairfield Alone](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxiii-charles-fairfield-alone.md): Charles Fairfield, unable to sleep, wrestles with anxiety and plans a sudden escape with Alice from Carwell Grange. He writes a letter to Alice instructing her to meet him in Lonsdale, and another to his brother Harry as
- [XXXIV: Awake](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxiv-awake.md): In the stillness of night, the household sleeps uneasily. Charles Fairfield awakens from a nightmare to hear screams from his wife Alice, who is in distress. The chapter contrasts the serene night with the turmoil within
- [Restless](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxv-restless.md): Mildred Tarnley, unable to sleep due to her unease about the mysterious Dutchwoman, repeatedly checks on her throughout the night. She finds the woman seemingly dead-like in sleep but alive, and later discovers her sitti
- [Through the Wall](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxvi-through-the-wall.md): Alice awakens in the night to mysterious sounds and a sense of dread. Her fears are realized when a hidden door opens and a blind, disfigured woman enters her room, attempting to attack her with a knife. Alice escapes an
- [A Messenger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-messenger.md): In the aftermath of a terrifying encounter with a mysterious blind woman, Alice is comforted by old Mildred Tarnley and Dulcibella Crane. Mildred dispatches Lilly Dogger as a messenger to summon Mark Topham, the constabl
- [Unreasonable Bertha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxviii-unreasonable-bertha.md): Charles confronts his estranged wife Bertha, who accuses him of bigamy and attempted murder. Their bitter argument escalates until Bertha suffers a fit, and Charles, tormented by guilt and despair, contemplates suicide.
- [An Abduction](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxxix-an-abduction.md): Charles Fairfield, driven into a corner, resolves to flee with Alice to escape his troubles. He plans for Alice and Dulcibella to travel ahead while he follows. Upon returning, he learns that Squire Rodney has arrived wi
- [XL: Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xl-pursuit.md): Mildred Tarnley and Tom discuss the aftermath of the arrest and Charles Fairfield's pursuit of Squire Rodney, who has taken the mysterious woman into custody. They debate the motives and potential violence of the confron
- [Day—Twilight—Darkness](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xli-day-twilight-darkness.md): Alice, in a state of severe nervous shock after the murder attempt, is visited by Mildred Tarnley who advises her to wait for Charles's return before leaving Carwell Grange. As the day wanes, Alice's terror of the Dutchw
- [XLII: Hatherton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xlii-hatherton.md): Charles Fairfield, driven by wrath and compunction, rides to Hatherton to bail Bertha Velderkaust, but learns bail is impossible. He vents his fury at Squire Rodney and, despite his own troubles, arranges for attorney Pe
- [The Welcome](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xliii-the-welcome.md): Charles returns home to Carwell Grange, exhausted and feverish, plagued by spectral illusions and memory lapses. He is welcomed by Alice, who has been anxiously waiting. Their emotional reunion brings relief, but Charles
- [The Wykeford Doctor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xliv-the-wykeford-doctor.md): Charles Fairfield lies gravely ill with fever, and the Wykeford doctor attends him. Alice, his wife, is in a state of anxious suspense, pleading for any sign of improvement. The doctor is cautiously pessimistic, hinting 
- [XLV: Speech Returns](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xlv-speech-returns.md): Charles Fairfield, recovering from a life-threatening fever, remains dangerously weak. Doctor Willett instructs Alice to keep claret, port, and brandy constantly at hand to prevent fainting, which could be fatal. Charles
- [Harry Drinks a Glass and Spills a Glass](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xlvi-harry-drinks-a-glass-and-spills-a-glass.md): Harry Fairfield visits his ailing brother Charles, who is recovering from a severe illness. Despite Alice's concerns, Charles insists on seeing Harry alone. During their conversation, Charles confesses his distress over 
- [Home to Wyvern](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xlvii-home-to-wyvern.md): After Charles Fairfield's funeral, Harry Fairfield returns to Wyvern and reports to the old Squire, who refuses to attend the burial and expresses bitter regret. The Squire later shows unexpected kindness to Dobbs. Meanw
- [A Twilight Visit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xlviii-a-twilight-visit.md): Harry Fairfield visits Carwell Grange in the evening, speaking with old Mildred Tarnley and then with the ailing Alice Fairfield. He discusses the jailed woman Bertha and persuades Alice to sign a paper declining to pros
- [XLIX: The Heir of the Fairfields](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xlix-the-heir-of-the-fairfields.md): Alice Fairfield falls dangerously ill after childbirth, attended by Doctor Willett and old Dulcibella Crane. A son is born, the heir to the Fairfield estate. Harry Fairfield arrives days later, expresses relief at not be
- [L: Bertha Velderkaust](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/l-bertha-velderkaust.md): Harry Fairfield visits Bertha Velderkaust in prison at Hatherton, where she insists on being called Madame Bertha Fairfield of Wyvern. He tries to dissuade her from claiming a marriage to his brother Charles, revealing t
- [LI: Sergeant-Major Archdale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/li-sergeant-major-archdale.md): Harry Fairfield, a captain in the county militia, returns to Wyvern and meets Sergeant-Major Archdale, whom he recruits for a confidential stewardship role at Noulton farm and Warhampton, hinting at future troubles and t
- [A Talk with the Squire](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lii-a-talk-with-the-squire.md): Harry Fairfield, after a long day's ride and a heavy meal, falls asleep in the dining room and dreams of the old Squire's death. He is awakened by Tom Ward, who tells him the Squire is calling for him. The Squire, having
- [Harry Fairfield Grows Uneasy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/liii-harry-fairfield-grows-uneasy.md): Harry Fairfield visits Dr. Willett to inquire about the health of the young mother at Carwell Grange, learning she is very ill with fever. He later arrives at the Grange, where the household is in gloom and silence, and 
- [A Drive to Twyford](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/liv-a-drive-to-twyford.md): Harry Fairfield, concerned for the health of his brother's infant son, arranges with Doctor Willett to have the child moved from the fever-ridden Carwell Grange to a safer location in Twyford. Despite objections from Mil
- [LV: How Fares the Child?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lv-how-fares-the-child.md): Alice Fairfield lies gravely ill at Carwell Grange, attended by Dr. Willett and Lady Wyndale, while the baby sent to Twyford for safety is reported dead. Harry Fairfield arrives with a troubling suspicion that the child 
- [The Old Squire Leaves Wyvern](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lvi-the-old-squire-leaves-wyvern.md): The old Squire of Wyvern, facing his final illness, summons his lawyer, the parson, and his son Harry to hear his will read. He reaffirms the bequest of three hundred a year to Alice despite Harry's objections, refuses t
- [LVII: Marjory Trevellian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lvii-marjory-trevellian.md): This chapter introduces the reader to the secluded life of good Mrs. Marjory Trevellian, a kind and industrious widow living in an antique cottage with a little boy named William Henry, whom she calls her 'Fairy' or 'Pri
- [LVIII: The Enchanted Garden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lviii-the-enchanted-garden.md): Little Willie Fairlace, living with his grandmother Marjory Trevellian, begins lessons with Mr. Wharton. On his walks he discovers an old walled garden that fascinates him. After several attempts, he is invited inside by
- [LIX: An Old Friend](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lix-an-old-friend.md): Harry Fairfield visits Alice at Stanlake Farm, bringing news of Bertha Velderkaust's death and the reversion of a charge on Carwell. He discusses his pragmatic views on marriage and inquires about a young boy playing ski
- [LX: Tom Orange](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lx-tom-orange.md): Tom Orange visits Little Miss Amy and Marjory Trevellian's cottage while Marjory is away. He entertains the boy with songs and antics, reads Marjory's letters, and asks about Carwell Grange and Wyvern. After playing skit
- [The Hour and the Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lxi-the-hour-and-the-man.md): Tom Orange returns late to the cottage, and Marjory Daw is in distress. The next morning, she prepares a special breakfast for the little boy, who is unaware that he is to be taken away by Mr. Archdale. When Archdale arr
- [The March to Noulton Farm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lxii-the-march-to-noulton-farm.md): Sergeant-Major Archdale forcibly retrieves a boy from Marjory Daw's cottage, marching him away despite her desperate pleas. During the journey, the boy's innocent chatter leads to Tom Orange's eventual punishment. They s
- [LXIII: A Silent Farewell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lxiii-a-silent-farewell.md): The chapter depicts the grim, regimented life at Noulton Farm under the cold and cruel Sergeant-Major Archdale. The little boy befriends Mary Archdale, who is dying of a broken heart after her love for Willie Fairlace wa
- [LXIV: The March by Night](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lxiv-the-march-by-night.md): Harry Fairfield, under cover of night, escapes from Noulton Farm with the help of Tom Orange. After a long and arduous journey through rain and fear, he faces several dangers, including a policeman, a suspicious innkeepe
- [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/conclusion.md): The novel concludes with the resolution of the Fairfield inheritance. Harry Fairfield, dying from a gunshot wound, confesses that he swapped the infant heir with a changeling from a workhouse, intending to pass the boy o

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