Chapter 8 Summary

Dr. Mead arrives and immediately tends to Wysteria. Dr. Mead is clearly an excellent physician and shows great concern for Wysteria. He quickly diagnoses her as having pneumonia, and he tells Miranda that this disease could kill her. She must first recover enough to be moved to St. Elias's, a hospital. Until then, Miranda must tend to her daily and Dr. Mead will return each morning. He notes that his nurse will refuse to come and that almost anyone would. Many believe that the house has been unkind to its inhabitants and that something strange is associated with it.

Over the next few days, Dr. Mead becomes increasingly comfortable in Bourne Manor, comfortable enough to stay around to chat with Miranda. He inquires about her schooling and is not surprised to learn that while she has learned much she knows nothing of the...