No Name
The elder daughter, more resigned to their fate, contrasting with Magdalen's fiery resolve.
The First Scene
The elder daughter of the Vanstone family.
I
Quiet and observant; defends her father and sister with subtle resolution; is surprised by the news of the London trip.
Chapter II
Shows sullen silence after her parents leave without explanation; sits frowning in the hall.
III
Mentioned as being asked to make tea while Miss Garth reads the letter in private.
IV
Remains formal and reserved toward Frank Clare, addressing him as 'Mr. Clare' and showing relief when visitors arrive.
V
Quietly disapproves of the acting scheme, foreseeing familiarity between Magdalen and Frank; watches them closely during rehearsal with growing distrust.
VI
Present in the audience; cannot deny that Magdalen's performance deserved the applause, recalling her earlier warning to Mrs. Vanstone about the consequences.
VII
Confronts Magdalen about Frank Clare, expressing deep concern and disappointment over her sister's behavior.
Chapter VIII
Accompanies her father in the carriage; stays in the background during the evening.
Chapter X
Attempts to reconcile with Magdalen after their earlier quarrel, but remains reserved and unconvinced about Frank.
Chapter XI
Comforts Magdalen, helping her release her grief.
XIII
One of the daughters left helpless by the law.
XIV
Quietly accepts the truth; comforts Miss Garth and defends Magdalen, showing unexpected depth of character.
Chapter XV
Indignantly refuses Michael Vanstone's money, and is privately advised by Mr. Pendril to speak about her sister.
Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post
Writes to Mr. Pendril from Westmoreland House, Kensington, detailing the events after his departure and defending Magdalen's character.
I: From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril
Narrates the letter; describes her actions and feelings during the departure from Combe-Raven.
II: From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril
Found Magdalen's room empty and received her note; is deeply distressed and refuses to part with the note.
III: From Magdalen to Norah (Enclosed in the Preceding Letter)
The recipient of the letter, Magdalen's beloved sister.
I
Mentioned as the sister Magdalen cannot face; her memory influences Magdalen's decisions.
Chapter I
Elder sister; her letter to Magdalen is intercepted by Wragge; she pleads for contact and is taking a governess position.
Chronicle for December. First Fortnight.
Mentioned as the sister with whom Magdalen will communicate via post-office.
The Third Scene
Norah is present, dealing with the same familial upheaval and the consequences of their father's secret.
Chapter II
Seen in the park struggling with the children in her care, which deeply affects Magdalen.
Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post
Writes to Magdalen from Miss Garth's, having left her situation, expressing a desire to meet her sister.
III: From Norah to Magdalen
Writes a letter to Magdalen from Kensington, having left her governess position due to unhappiness.
IV: From Miss Garth to Magdalen
Left her situation after her employers insulted Magdalen; Miss Garth is concerned for her future.
VIII: From Norah to Magdalen
The author of the letter, expressing deep concern and love for her sister.
IX: From Magdalen to Norah
The recipient of Magdalen's letter, whose love and support have helped Magdalen begin to heal.
X: From Magdalen to Miss Garth
Magdalen mentions Norah's departure from a situation on her account and asks Miss Garth not to show the letter to her.
XIII
Magdalen writes a long, unfinished letter to her, recounting her story.
Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post
Norah writes to Miss Garth expressing her distress after learning of Noel Vanstone's marriage to a woman resembling Magdalen, and later receives a cryptic letter from Magdalen.
From George Bartram to Noel Vanstone
Met by George Bartram at Aldborough; she is searching for her missing sister and is described as charming and gentle.
II: From Norah Vanstone to Miss Garth
Author of the letter; reports her failed search for Magdalen and her unsettling discovery about Miss Bygrave.
IV: From Norah Vanstone to Miss Garth
Writes to Miss Garth, expressing relief and joy after receiving a letter from Magdalen.
VII: From Mr. Pendril to Norah Vanstone
Recipient of Mr. Pendril's letter; he advises her against meeting with Mrs. Lecount.
From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril
Writes to Mr. Pendril, asserting her determination to see Mrs. Lecount and not abandon her sister Magdalen.
X: From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril
Receives Mrs. Lecount's visit and inadvertently reveals the Allonby postmark from Magdalen's letter.
From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth
Referred to as Miss Vanstone; Mr. Pendril asks Miss Garth to tell her of his sympathy.
III: From Mrs. Noel Vanstone to Miss Garth
Magdalen's sister; Magdalen wanted to see her but now feels estranged, though she bears no anger toward her.
V: From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth
Referred to as Miss Vanstone; Mr. Pendril advises keeping her in ignorance of the situation to spare her distress.
Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post
Shows signs of finding relief from sorrow through a growing attachment to George Bartram, though she remains unaware of her own feelings.
From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril
Shows signs of emotional relief through new hopes, though still deeply affected by Magdalen's silence.
II: From Mr. Pendril to Miss Garth
Magdalen's innocent sister; Mr. Pendril fears she may be affected by Magdalen's potential scandal.
III
Mentioned as the woman George Bartram wishes to marry, though she is not present in the chapter.
III: From Miss Garth to George Bartram
Refused George's proposal due to pride and loyalty to her sister Magdalen, influenced by Admiral Bartram's comments and Mrs. Tyrrel's warning.
III
Writes to Magdalen announcing her marriage to George Bartram and the recovery of the Combe-Raven fortune.
IV
Discovers the trust in the ashes at St. Crux and explains its legal significance to Magdalen.
