The Black Arrow · Chapter

In Mine Enemies' House explained

Dick hides in Sir Daniel's house, evades a spy, encounters a young lady who helps him, and is reunited with Joanna Sedley.

What happens

Dick hides in Sir Daniel's house, evades a spy, encounters a young lady who helps him, and is reunited with Joanna Sedley.

Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the peak of Dick’s psychological tension and decisive act…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Identity and Disguise
Dick disguises himself as a monk and is nearly exposed by a spy.
Love and Marriage
Dick's mission is driven by his love for Joanna and his desire to rescue her.

Dick Shelton
Hides behind arras, evades a spy, and is discovered by a young lady who helps him.
Joanna Sedley
Enters the apartment where Dick is hiding, dressed in costly winter attire.
Will Lawless
Wanders drunkenly through the house, nearly exposing Dick.
Alicia Risingham
The short young lady in furs who discovers Dick and helps him by hiding him.
Lord Shoreby
His spy is sent to search the chamber and later killed by Dick.

“Hide me, then,” said Dick, “put me behind the arras, shut me in a chest, or what ye will, so that I may be here on your return.”
Dick asks to be concealed so he can remain in the room while the ladies go to supper.
Shows Dick's desperation and reliance on the women's help.
“Y’are a strange monk, young sir,” returned the young lady, looking him both boldly and shrewdly in the face; “and now that my first astonishment hath somewhat passed away, I can spy the layman in each word you utter.”
The young lady sees through Dick's monk disguise, recognizing his speech and manner as those of a layman.
Highlights the theme of identity and disguise.