The Secret of Madame de la Rougierre

Uncle Silas

Madame de la Rougierre’s shifting roles—from governess to thief, hidden accomplice, and murder victim—make her a dangerous and ambiguous presence.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Sinister Appointment A Sinister Appointment from "Uncle Silas". A Sinister Appointment The New Governess Madame de la Rougierre arrives at Knowl with an unsettling manner and an uncertain past.

A Sinister Appointment from "Uncle Silas". A Sinister Appointment The New Governess Madame de la Rougierre arrives at Knowl with an unsettling manner and an uncertain past.

A Sinister Appointment The New Governess Madame de la Rougierre arrives at Knowl with an unsettling manner and an uncertain past. Her public politeness masks an appetite for control. A Child’s Unease Maud feels watched and frightened, while the servants notice her drinking, scheming, and efforts to gain influence in the household.

The Will Interrogation The Will Interrogation from "Uncle Silas". The Will Interrogation Questions About Inheritance Madame de la Rougierre repeatedly asks whether Austin Ruthyn has made a will and what it contains, then…

The Will Interrogation from "Uncle Silas". The Will Interrogation Questions About Inheritance Madame de la Rougierre repeatedly asks whether Austin Ruthyn has made a will and what it contains, then…

The Will Interrogation Questions About Inheritance Madame de la Rougierre repeatedly asks whether Austin Ruthyn has made a will and what it contains, then twists Maud’s finger when she will not answer. A Revealing Fixation The pressure exposes how closely Madame’s interest is tied to property and family secrets, though Maud cannot yet understand who benefits from her curiosity.

The Desk Break-In The Desk Break-In from "Uncle Silas". The Desk Break-In A Search in Darkness Maud wakes in Austin Ruthyn’s study and sees Madame de la Rougierre secretly searching his locked desk for papers.

The Desk Break-In from "Uncle Silas". The Desk Break-In A Search in Darkness Maud wakes in Austin Ruthyn’s study and sees Madame de la Rougierre secretly searching his locked desk for papers.

The Desk Break-In A Search in Darkness Maud wakes in Austin Ruthyn’s study and sees Madame de la Rougierre secretly searching his locked desk for papers. Exposure and Dismissal Austin demands the false key and dismisses her. Madame leaves with threats that suggest the conflict has not ended.

A Return Under Cover A Return Under Cover from "Uncle Silas". A Return Under Cover The Hidden Guest Maud discovers Madame de la Rougierre living secretly in an unused part of Bartram-Haugh.

A Return Under Cover from "Uncle Silas". A Return Under Cover The Hidden Guest Maud discovers Madame de la Rougierre living secretly in an unused part of Bartram-Haugh.

A Return Under Cover The Hidden Guest Maud discovers Madame de la Rougierre living secretly in an unused part of Bartram-Haugh. Madame claims she has been hired to accompany Maud to France. A Renewed Contest When Maud reports her past conduct, Silas Ruthyn dismisses her account and restores Madame’s authority over her, converting the former threat into a present jailer.

A Murder in the Dark A Murder in the Dark from "Uncle Silas". A Murder in the Dark The Attack Dudley Ruthyn enters through the hidden-hinged window and fatally strikes Madame de la Rougierre while Maud hides nearby.

A Murder in the Dark from "Uncle Silas". A Murder in the Dark The Attack Dudley Ruthyn enters through the hidden-hinged window and fatally strikes Madame de la Rougierre while Maud hides nearby.

A Murder in the Dark The Attack Dudley Ruthyn enters through the hidden-hinged window and fatally strikes Madame de la Rougierre while Maud hides nearby. A Fatal Miscalculation Madame’s death is later concealed and her body buried in the courtyard. Her shifting loyalties end in violence, while her role in the plot remains morally compromised.

At the beginning of Maud Ruthyn’s story

During a walk to Church Scarsdale

At Knowl, on the night before Madame’s dismissal

Months after Maud arrives at Bartram-Haugh

During the night Maud escapes