The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
XX: Harry Appears at the Grange explained
Charles Fairfield receives a visit from his brother Harry at the Grange.
What happens
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 becoming demanding and threatening to cause trouble. The brothers discuss the situation, with Harry's demeanor shifting between jovial and cunning, revealing underlying tensions.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Dysfunction
The interaction between Charles and Harry reveals underlying tensions, mistrust, and the burden of family obligations, as Harry brings troubling news and Charles feels anxious.
Secrecy and Deception
Harry admits to telling 'a hatful of lies' about the situation, and the brothers discuss the woman in Hoxton's potential knowledge of the truth, highlighting themes of concealment.
Characters to notice
- Charles Fairfield
Anxious and uneasy, Charles greets his brother Harry at the Grange, seeking news and expressing concern about the woman in Hoxton.
- Harry Fairfield
Harry arrives at the Grange, bringing news from Wyvern and reports of the old squire's temper and the woman in Hoxton's demands. His demeanor is jovial but hints at cunning and selfishness.
- Alice Maybell
Alice is mentioned as being in the garden, tending to her flowers, and is not present during the brothers' conversation.
- Dulcibella Crane
Old Dulcibella informs Charles that Alice has gone to the garden with her trowel and basket.
- Mildred Tarnley
Charles asks old Mildred to prepare food for Harry, referring to her as 'like a good old soul.'
- Lilly Dogger
Lilly Dogger brings beer and food to Harry, who makes flirtatious comments about her appearance.
Key passages
“I got your note, you know, and how are you all, and how is Ally?”
Harry asks about Alice's well-being after receiving Charles's letter.
Shows Harry's concern for Alice and the family.
“I think she's got uneasy about you. She was asking all sorts of questions.”
Harry reports that the woman in Hoxton is becoming suspicious and inquiring about Charles.
Highlights the growing threat from the woman in Hoxton.
“By the law, I've been telling such a hatful of lies about it myself, that I hardly know which is which, or one end from t'other.”
Harry admits to having told many lies about the situation, losing track of the truth.
Emphasizes the theme of deception.