The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
A Messenger explained
In the aftermath of a terrifying encounter with a mysterious blind woman, Alice is comforted by old Mildred Tarnley and Dulcibella Crane.
What happens
In the aftermath of a terrifying encounter with a mysterious blind woman, Alice is comforted by old Mildred Tarnley and Dulcibella Crane. Mildred dispatches Lilly Dogger as a messenger to summon Mark Topham, the constable, and Squire Rodney to the Grange, citing attempted murder. The chapter captures Alice's hysteria, Mildred's pragmatic ruthlessness, and the mobilization of local authority.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
The mysterious blind woman's sudden appearance and attack underscore the hidden dangers and secrets within the household.
Isolation and Entrapment
Alice's terror and the need to secure the house reflect her sense of entrapment and vulnerability in the isolated Grange.
Family and Dysfunction
The chaotic response to the attack highlights the dysfunctional dynamics and lack of stable authority in the household.
Characters to notice
- Alice Maybell
Alice is in a state of shock and terror after being attacked by the blind woman, clinging to Mrs. Tarnley and weeping.
- Mildred Tarnley
Old Mildred takes charge of the situation, comforting Alice while plotting to have the blind woman arrested and sent away.
- Dulcibella Crane
Old Dulcibella is summoned to sit with Alice, having discovered the chaotic scene in Alice's room with blood and a bent knife.
- Lilly Dogger
Lilly is sent as a messenger by Mildred to fetch the constable and Squire Rodney, running across Cressley Common.
- Charles Fairfield
Charles is mentioned as being in the house and having saved Alice from the attack, described by Alice as her guardian angel.
- Tom Clinton
Tom Clinton is mentioned as being up and helping to keep the house safe.
Key passages
“Ye’ll be better presently, dear,” said the old woman, with unaccustomed kindness. “There, there, ye’ll be nothing the worse when a’s done, and ye’ll have a cup o’ tea when ye come back.”
Mildred Tarnley speaks to Alice with unusual gentleness, reassuring her that she will recover and offering tea.
Mildred's rare kindness contrasts with her usual harsh demeanor, showing her concern for Alice's state.
“I’m glad o’ that—right glad o’t; ’twill rid us o’ trouble, ma’am. But la! think o’ that! And did she actually raise her hand to you!”
Mildred expresses satisfaction that the blind woman attacked Alice, seeing it as a way to finally be rid of her.
Mildred's pragmatic and ruthless attitude toward the blind woman reveals her desire to eliminate the threat.
“Ye’ll have to go over Cressley Common, girl, to Wykeford. Ye know Wykeford? ... And say he’ll be wanted down here at the Grange—for murder mind—and go ye on to Mr. Rodney at t’other side o’ the river.”
Mildred instructs Lilly Dogger to run to Wykeford and alert the constable Mark Topham and Squire Rodney about the attempted murder.
This passage shows Mildred taking decisive action to summon legal authority, framing the incident as a serious crime.