# The Hour and the Man explained — The Wyvern Mystery

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

## What happens

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 arrives, the boy hides in a press, and Marjory lies, saying the boy has run away.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Dysfunction

The forced separation of the boy from his caretaker highlights the disruption of familial bonds.

### Isolation and Entrapment

Marjory feels trapped by the arrival of Archdale and the inevitable loss of the child.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Orange

Returns late at night and speaks with Marjory Daw about the boy's departure.

### Marjory Daw

Grieves over the impending loss of the boy; hides him in a press and lies to Sergeant-Major Archdale.

### Master Willie

The little boy who is to be taken away; hides in the press to avoid being handed over.

### Sergeant-Major Archdale

Arrives to collect the boy; interrogates Marjory and suspects deception.

## Key lines

> Oh, darlin’! darlin’! My man—my own, own blessed man—my darlin’!

Marjory cries out in anguish, calling the boy her precious darling.

_Shows Marjory's deep emotional attachment to the boy._

> Hide me, mammy; hide me in the press. Oh, mammy, mammy, you wouldn’t give me to him!

The boy pleads with Marjory to hide him in the cupboard so he won't be taken away.

_Illustrates the boy's terror and desperation to stay with Marjory._

> He ain’t here.

Marjory lies to Archdale, saying the boy is not present.

_Highlights Marjory's willingness to deceive authority to protect the child._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/lxi-the-hour-and-the-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters