Mr. Blake

Mrs. Daniels

Mr. Blake is the employer and Mrs. Daniels is a housekeeper or servant, with frequent interactions suggesting close oversight or dependence.

Mr. Gryce

Mr. Blake and Mr. Gryce collaborate as client and detective, working together to solve the mystery.

The Girl

Mr. Blake appears obsessed with or deeply concerned about the girl, possibly as a victim or object of his fixation.

The Lady

Mr. Blake and the Lady are likely married or closely related, given the high interaction frequency and domestic context.

Madame Dudevant

Madame Dudevant is likely a social acquaintance or guest in Mr. Blake's circle, with limited but notable interactions.

The Master of the House

Mr. Blake and the Master of the House are probably father and son or close male relatives, given the domestic hierarchy.

Countess De Mirac

Countess De Mirac is a socialite or aristocrat who interacts with Mr. Blake in high-society settings.

Thompson

Thompson is likely a butler or manservant to Mr. Blake, handling household or personal duties.

Fanny

Fanny serves Mr. Blake as a maid or household employee, with interactions centered on domestic tasks.

Servants

Mr. Blake interacts with the household servants collectively, giving orders or seeking information.

Mrs. Daniels

Mr. Blake is the employer and Mrs. Daniels is a housekeeper or servant, with frequent interactions suggesting close oversight or dependence.

Mr. Gryce

Mr. Blake and Mr. Gryce collaborate as client and detective, working together to solve the mystery.

I: A Novel Case

The master of the house on Second Avenue; a reserved man who dismisses the servant's disappearance and leaves household matters to the housekeeper.

A Few Points

Master of the house, initially indifferent to the disappearance but eventually agrees to view the room.

The Contents of a Bureau Drawer

Visits Emily's room briefly, dismisses the matter as serious but allows investigation, then leaves for an appointment.

IV: Thompson's Story

Dismisses knowledge of the sewing-girl and shows haughty demeanor; later seen peering through the gate at night.

V: A New York Belle

Attends the Charity Ball, where he encounters the Countess De Mirac and engages in a tense conversation about their past.

VI: A Bit of Calico

Shows extreme restlessness, searching the streets for a woman; accosts a girl in a calico dress; prepares for a journey to Putney, Vermont.

VII: The House at the Granby Cross Roads

Travels secretly to a remote Vermont inn, examines a pistol, and attempts to enter the deserted house before returning to Melville.

A Word Overheard

Returns home to find the Countess with Mrs. Daniels; escorts the Countess to his studio for a private conversation that alarms Fanny.

IX: A Few Golden Hairs

Mentioned in connection with the missing girl and a planned dinner party that may be interrupted.

X: The Secret of Mr. Blake's Studio

Hosts a dinner party, initially dismisses the matter but is forced to accompany Gryce to his studio.

XI: Luttra

Reveals the portrait is of his secret wife and narrates his past, including his father's influence and his encounter with Luttra.

XII: A Woman’s Love

Narrates his decision to marry Luttra, his shock at her transformation, and his regret after she overhears his words.

XIII: A Man’s Heart

Narrates his past marriage to Luttra, his father's death, and his obsessive search for his wife.

XIV: Mrs. Daniels

Confronts Mrs. Daniels, learns the girl was his wife, and declares his love and determination to find her.

A Confab

Discussed as the intended target of the Schoenmakers' blackmail scheme; his house is considered the focal point of the gang's plans.

XVI: The Mark of the Red Cross

Referenced as the husband whose wife Gryce seeks to protect from scandal.

Love and Duty

Confronts his wife's father and brother after their capture; declares he will do nothing to free them and seeks reconciliation with Luttra.

Explanations

Overwrought with emotion, he sends a note to Mrs. Daniels and confronts Luttra, demanding an explanation.

XX: The Bond That Unites

Reveals his father's will and urges Luttra to marry him.