The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
The Old Squire Leaves Wyvern explained
The old Squire of Wyvern, facing his final illness, summons his lawyer, the parson, and his son Harry to hear his will read.
What happens
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 to remit a claim on the vicarage, and grows delirious as night falls. The next morning he receives the Sacrament, then bids farewell to his faithful servant Tom Ward. After the Squire's death, a stately funeral is held, and Harry Fairfield assumes control of Wyvern, with Sergeant-Major Archdale becoming a trusted advisor under the new regime.
Themes in this chapter
Inheritance and Legacy
The chapter centers on the old Squire's will, his bequests, and the transfer of power to Harry, highlighting the weight of legacy and the anxiety of change.
Mortality and Aging
The Squire's decline and death are portrayed with stark realism, from his delirium and final rites to the emotional farewell with Tom Ward, underscoring the inevitability of death.
Family and Dysfunction
The strained relationship between the old Squire and his son Harry is evident in their tense exchange over the will, and the Squire's bitter references to the parson and old grievances.
Characters to notice
- Old Squire Harry
The dying Squire of Wyvern, stubborn and unyielding, he reviews his will, refuses the parson's claim, and bids a poignant farewell to Tom Ward before his death.
- Harry Fairfield
The son and heir, who objects to the annuity for Alice but is overruled by his father; after the funeral he enters upon his reign as the new Squire.
- Tom Ward
The old servant called to the Squire's bedside for a final handshake and goodbye; he is deeply moved and fears he cannot live in the new Wyvern.
- Sergeant-Major Archdale
Now retired from the militia and plain Mr. Archdale, he becomes an influential minister under Harry Fairfield's new regime, summoned from Warhampton to confer at Wyvern.
Key passages
“The old folk can’t go on living always. The King’s messenger had called at Wyvern, and the old Squire must needs get up and go.”
Death has come for the old Squire, and he must prepare to leave Wyvern.
Opening metaphor for the Squire's impending death.
“Priests, women, and poultry, they say, has never enough. There’s bin changes since, and I don’t see why Wyvern should be charged so heavy.”
Harry complains that the annuity to Alice is excessive and outdated.
Harry's objection to the will's provision for Alice.
“I wonder how the grim old man, with near a week’s white stubble on his chin, felt as he saw Tom Ward glide away softly, with tears on his rugged cheeks.”
The narrator reflects on the Squire's emotions as his old servant departs in tears.
Poignant moment between the Squire and Tom Ward.