Dudley Ruthyn’s Predatory Ambition
Uncle SilasDudley Ruthyn’s bullying courtship, concealed marriage, and involvement in the plot show a progression from vulgar entitlement to violence.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
A Disquieting Recognition

A Disquieting Recognition
A Familiar Face
Maud recognizes Dudley Ruthyn as resembling a man from earlier frightening encounters, but Silas Ruthyn and Dudley deny that he has ever seen her.
Doubt Exploited
Their calm denials make Maud question her memory, weakening her confidence in evidence she once trusted.
Entitlement in the Household

Entitlement in the Household
Coarse Advances
Dudley Ruthyn uses money troubles and family familiarity to press himself on Maud, treating her refusals as a flirtatious obstacle.
Threatening Conduct
He attempts to force a kiss and later proposes marriage, revealing a belief that Maud’s wealth and person are available to him.
A Marriage Revealed

A Marriage Revealed
Sarah Matilda Arrives
Sarah Matilda Mangles comes to Bartram-Haugh with evidence that she is already Dudley Ruthyn’s wife.
A Scheme Collapses
Dudley admits the marriage. Silas expels the couple, and Maud realizes that Dudley had pursued her while concealing a wife.
An Offer for Money

An Offer for Money
A Transaction Proposed
Dudley offers to take Maud away from Bartram-Haugh in exchange for £20,000, presenting the proposal as help while demanding a large payment.
Maud Refuses
She rejects his offer and tells Silas about it. Dudley’s apparent opportunity to act as a rescuer is exposed as another attempt to use her fortune.
Violence in the Window

Violence in the Window
A Hidden Entrance
Dudley enters Maud’s barred room through a concealed window and attacks Madame de la Rougierre in the darkness.
Remorse Without Escape
He recoils from the violence but continues to obey Silas Ruthyn’s plan until Maud gets out. His horror does not undo his participation in the crime.
At Maud’s first meeting with Dudley Ruthyn
During Dudley Ruthyn’s return to Bartram-Haugh
After Dudley Ruthyn’s proposal is rejected
After Dudley Ruthyn returns from his supposed departure
During the attempted murder at Bartram-Haugh