# LVIII: The Enchanted Garden explained — The Wyvern Mystery

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

## What happens

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 a kind lady in black and her daughter Amy. He plays with Amy, has tea, and forms a new friendship, which Marjory approves of.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Willie's refined appearance and gentle blood are recognized by the lady, and Marjory emphasizes that he will attend a school for the best boys.

### Isolation and Entrapment

Willie is isolated from other children and lives a secluded life with his grandmother, while the garden itself is a hidden, enclosed space.

### Secrecy and Deception

Willie's parentage and the identity of his 'friends' remain mysterious, and he is forbidden from playing with common boys.

## Character check-ins

### Marjory Trevellian

Willie's grandmother, who teaches him and approves of his new acquaintances.

### Master Willie

The little boy who discovers the enchanted garden and befriends the lady and her daughter.

### Tom Orange

Delivers a letter to Marjory and is mentioned by Willie as a friend who plays ninepins.

### Dulcibella Crane

An old rheumatic woman present in the garden, watching over the children.

### Lady Wyndale

The kind lady in black who invites Willie into the garden and shows him affection.

## Key lines

> The narrow road which the boy every afternoon passed to and from Doctor Wharton’s house makes, about halfway, a sudden curve.

The road Willie takes to his tutor's house has a sharp bend halfway.

_Describes the setting of the enchanted garden._

> A very pretty little girl, with golden hair, was standing on tiptoe near, and with all her soul was striving to reach an apple with a stick which she held in her tiny fingers.

A small blonde girl was trying to knock down an apple with a stick.

_Introduces Amy, the lady's daughter._

> The kind voice, the beloved smile of Granny received him before the cottage door.

Marjory greeted Willie warmly when he returned home.

_Shows the loving relationship between Willie and his grandmother._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lviii-the-enchanted-garden
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters