Short Fiction · Chapter
Canon Alberic's Scrapbook explained
Dennistoun visits St.
What happens
Dennistoun visits St. Bertrand de Comminges and acquires a remarkable scrapbook compiled by Canon Alberic de Mauléon, containing priceless illuminated manuscript leaves and a terrifying sepia drawing of a demonic figure before King Solomon. The sacristan and his daughter display intense fear, and the drawing is later photographed and burned by Dennistoun.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This letter marks the story’s dramatic climax because it delivers the emotional and psychological peak of unre…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Antiquarianism and the Past
Dennistoun's scholarly pursuit of ancient manuscripts and the scrapbook's collection of medieval illuminations.
- Supernatural and the Uncanny
The terrifying sepia drawing of a demonic figure that causes horror and psychological distress.
- Guardianship of Secrets
The sacristan and his daughter's fearful behavior and the hidden knowledge within the scrapbook.
Characters to notice
- Dennistoun
The protagonist who acquires the scrapbook and is deeply impressed by the drawing.
- The Squire
Dennistoun's companion who comments on the cost of masses for Alberic de Mauléon.
- Abbot Thomas
Mentioned as Abbot Thomas von Eschenhausen of Steinfeld in the context of the scrapbook's contents.
Key passages
“I hope it isn't wrong: you know I am a Presbyterian—but I—I believe there will be 'saying of Mass and singing of dirges' for Alberic de Mauléon's rest.”
The Squire expresses concern that as a Presbyterian he might be wrong to hope for Catholic masses for Alberic's soul.
Reflects the Squire's religious discomfort and the theme of death.
“He was laughing in the church.”
The sacristan tells his daughter that someone was laughing in the church, causing her terror.
Suggests a supernatural presence or event in the church.
“It was drawn from the life.”
Viewers of the drawing universally remark that the demonic figure appears to have been drawn from a real model.
Highlights the uncanny realism of the illustration.
