The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
The Bell Rings explained
In the dead of night, Mrs.
What happens
In the dead of night, Mrs. Tarnley is roused by a bell from Alice's room, who anxiously inquires if Charles has arrived. Mildred lies to calm her, then tends to the mysterious woman (the Vrau) upstairs, all while wrestling with her own violent thoughts and fears about the stranger's presence and Charles's possible return.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Mildred lies to Alice about Charles's arrival and conceals the presence of the mysterious woman, highlighting the theme of deception that pervades the household.
Isolation and Entrapment
Alice is confined to her room, anxious and dependent on servants; Mildred feels trapped in her duties and fears the violent stranger, underscoring a sense of entrapment.
Mortality and Aging
Mildred reflects on her old age, aching bones, and the nearness of the grave, while contemplating the morality of killing a 'devil incarnate' like the Vrau.
Characters to notice
- Mildred Tarnley
Roused from bed by Alice's bell, she lies to soothe Alice, prepares supper for the Vrau, and wrestles with her conscience and fear of the mysterious woman.
- Alice Maybell
Awake and anxious, she rings for Mrs. Tarnley, fearing Charles may have arrived, and apologizes for disturbing the household.
- Charles Fairfield
Expected but not yet arrived; his potential return is a source of tension for Mildred and Alice.
- Dulcibella Crane
Mentioned as the old fat fool who sleeps nearby but is not called upon by Alice.
- Mysterious Woman
The Vrau, a blind and violent woman staying at the Grange, is being fed by Mildred, who fears and loathes her.
Key passages
“Well, here's a go! Who'd a' thought o' her awake at these hours, and out o' her bed, and a-pluckin' at her bell. I doubt it is her. The like was never before. 'Tis enough to frighten a body.”
Mildred is shocked that Alice is awake and ringing her bell at such an hour, something that has never happened before.
Mildred's surprise and irritation at being disturbed by Alice's unusual nighttime activity.
“I'm tellin' lies enough to break a bridge, and me that's vowed against lying so stiff and strong over again only Monday last.”
Mildred acknowledges she is lying repeatedly, despite having recently sworn to be truthful.
Mildred's internal conflict about her dishonesty and her recent vow to avoid lying.
“The Lord gave us dominion over the beast o' the field, Parson Winyard said in his sermon last Sunday; but we ain't allowed to kill nor hurt, but for food or for defence; and good old Parson Buckles, that was as good as two of he, said, I mind, the very same words.”
Mildred recalls sermons about mercy toward animals, but questions why one cannot kill a dangerous human as one would a snake or toad.
Mildred's moral struggle over whether it is permissible to kill a wicked person, contrasting religious teachings with her own violent impulses.