# The Old Soldier Grows More Friendly, and Frightens Mrs. Tarnley explained — The Wyvern Mystery

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

## What happens

The mysterious 'Dutchwoman' (old soldier) attempts to win over Mildred Tarnley with promises of future rewards when she becomes lady of Wyvern, but Mildred remains wary and refuses her offers of brandy. The old soldier grows insistent, physically grasping Mildred's hand and demanding friendship. After a sudden fit of hysteria, she retires to bed, instructing Mildred to leave her undisturbed and to keep the connecting closet closed, deepening the sense of fear and secrecy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

The Dutchwoman's manipulative promises and her insistence on secrecy about her presence at the Grange highlight themes of hidden motives and deception.

### Power and Patriarchy

The Dutchwoman's attempts to assert authority over Mildred through promises of future power at Wyvern reflect the patriarchal structures of inheritance and control.

### Isolation and Entrapment

Mildred's sense of being trapped in her servitude and the Dutchwoman's physical and emotional grip on her illustrate themes of isolation and entrapment.

## Character check-ins

### Mildred Tarnley

Old servant at Carwell Grange, wary and resistant to the Dutchwoman's overtures, refuses brandy and promises, but is frightened by the visitor's intensity.

### Dulcibella Crane

The 'Dutchwoman' or 'old soldier,' a blind, faded beauty who aggressively seeks Mildred's loyalty, promising future rewards and frightening her with a sudden fit.

## Key lines

> Sharp and hard I’ve been with those I owed a knock to, but I never yet forgot a friend; you may do me a service tomorrow or next day, mind , and if you stand by me, I’ll stand by you; you need but ask and have, ask what you will .

I've been tough on my enemies, but I always reward my friends. If you help me soon, I'll give you whatever you want.

_The Dutchwoman tries to bribe Mildred with vague but generous promises of future reward._

> I don’t know what you want me to say, ma’am, no more than the plate there. Little good left in Mildred Tarnley now, and small power to help or hurt anyone, great or small, at these years.

I have no idea what you expect from me. I'm old and powerless, unable to help or harm anyone.

_Mildred deflects the Dutchwoman's demands, pleading her age and insignificance._

> The closet with the long row of pegs and the three presses in it, that lies between her room and mine, I remember it well⁠—it isn’t open⁠—I shouldn’t like her to find me here.

The closet between her room and mine, with pegs and presses, must stay closed. I don't want her to discover I'm here.

_The Dutchwoman reveals a secret about the connecting closet, heightening the mystery and her fear of being discovered._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/xxx-the-old-soldier-grows-more-friendly-and-frightens-mrs-tarnley
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters