Summary

In Chapter XIX, a large number of guests arrive at Ensor House for Christmas. In the narration Winifred states that the guests are going to stay for a fortnight before correcting herself and saying, “They were to stay for a fortnight” (114).

In Chapter XX, Winifred joins the guests for dinner as Drusilla’s chaperone. Over dinner, Mr. Pounds remarks that they believe their apprentice gardener has eloped with one of the maids. Two guests, named Mr. and Mrs. Fancey, discuss the inconvenience of their being a chimney sweep stuck in their dining room chimney and complain about the difficulties caused by recently introduced child labor laws. At the end of the meal, one of the guests, named Mr. Fishal, announces he has a surprise for everyone. They all go to the library to view the surprise. Mr. Fishal explains that he...