# Never Did Run Smooth explained — The Wyvern Mystery

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

## What happens

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 lover Ry, who plan an elopement the next morning. The Squire, unaware of Alice's true situation, expresses concern for her health.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Dysfunction

The bitter animosity between Charles and the old Squire during church service illustrates deep familial discord.

### Secrecy and Deception

Alice's feigned illness and the clandestine elopement plans underscore the theme of hidden intentions.

### Love and Marriage

The passionate but secretive love between Alice and Ry contrasts with the cold, transactional family dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Charles Fairfield

Struggles with his father's hostility and resolves to leave Wyvern.

### Old Squire Fairfield

Shows gruff concern for Alice's health but remains antagonistic toward Charles.

### Alice Maybell

Secretly plans to elope with Ry; feigns illness to avoid suspicion.

### Ry

Alice's lover; arranges the elopement and reassures her of his devotion.

### Dulcibella Crane

Old Dulcibella is to follow Alice to Draunton after the elopement.

## Key lines

> The old Squire was two or three times at the foot of the stairs before church-time, bawling inquiries after Miss Alice’s health, and messages for her private ear, to old Dulcibella.

Before church, the Squire repeatedly shouted up the stairs to ask about Alice's health and sent private messages via Dulcibella.

_Shows the Squire's concern for Alice, contrasting with his harshness toward Charles._

> Swiftly she went to the window and raised it without noise, and in a moment they were locked in each other’s arms.

Alice silently opened the window and quickly embraced her lover.

_Highlights the secrecy and urgency of their romantic meeting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/viii-never-did-run-smooth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters