The Wind in the Rose-Bush by Mary E Wilkins Freeman
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Everybody dies, don't they? Everybody come back, don't they? Isn't that so? You tried to get into the locked drawer today, didn't you? How do the dead come back, mother? What's the secret?
The Wind in the Rosebush by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman Narrated by Tony Walker Ford Village has no railroad station being on the other side of the river from Porters Falls and accessible only by the Ford which gives it its name and a ferry line. The ferry boat was waiting when Rebecca Flint got off the train with her bag and lunch basket. When she and her small trunk were safely embarked she sat stiff and straight and calm in the ferry boat as it shot swiftly and smoothly across the stream. There was a horse attached to a light country wagon on board, and he pawed the deck uneasily. His owner stood near with a wary eye upon him, although he was chewing with as dully reflective an expression as a cow.
Beside Rebecca sat a woman of about her own age who kept looking at her with furtive curiosity. Her husband, short and stout and saturnine, stood near her. Rebecca paid no attention to either of them. She was tall and spare and pale, the type of a spinster, yet with rudimentary lines and expressions of matronhood. She all unconsciously held her shawl, rolled up in a canvas bag on her left hip as if it had been a child. She wore a settled frown of dissent at life, but it was the frown of a mother who regarded life as a forward child rather than as an overwhelming fate. The other woman continued staring at her. She was mildly stupid, except for an overdeveloped curiosity, which made her at times sharp beyond belief.
Her eyes glittered. Red spots came on her flaccid cheeks. She kept opening her mouth to speak, making little abortive motions. Finally, she could endure it no longer. She nudged Rebecca boldly. Pleasant day, said she. Rebecca looked at her and nodded coldly. Yes, sir, very, she assented. You come far? I've come from Michigan.
How does the story begin with Rebecca’s arrival in Ford Village?
Oh, said the woman with awe. It's a long way, she remarked presently. Yes, it is, replied Rebecca conclusively. Still, the other woman was not daunted. There was something which she determined to know, possibly roused thereto by a vague sense of incongruity in the other's appearance. It's a long ways to come and leave a family, she remarked with painful slyness. ain't got any family to leave returned rebecca shortly then you ain't no i ain't oh said the woman rebecca looked straight ahead at the race of the river it was a long ferry finally rebecca herself waxed unexpectedly loquacious she turned to the other woman and inquired if she knew john dent's widow who lived in ford village her husband died about three years ago said she by way of detail
The woman started violently. She turned pale, then she flushed. She cast a strange glance at her husband, who was regarding both women with a sort of stolid keenness. "'Yes, I guess I do,' faltered the woman finally. "'Well, his first wife was my sister,' said Rebecca, with the air of one imparting important intelligence. "'Was she?' responded the other woman feebly. She glanced at her husband with an expression of doubt and terror and he shook his head forbiddingly. I'm going to see her and take my niece Agnes home with me, said Rebecca. Then the woman gave such a violent start that she noticed it. What's the matter? Nothing, I guess, replied the woman, with eyes on her husband who was slowly shaking his head like a Chinese toy.
is my niece sick asked rebecca with quick suspicion no she ain't sick replied the woman with alacrity then she caught her breath with a gasp when did you see her ah let me see i ain't seen her for some little time replied the woman then she caught her breath again she ought to have grown up real pretty if she takes after my sister she was a real pretty woman rebecca said wistfully yes i guess she did grow pretty replied the woman in a trembling voice what kind of woman is the second wife The woman glanced at her husband's warning face. She continued to gaze at him while she replied in a choking voice to Rebecca.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:07–2:28
2
How does the story begin with Rebecca’s arrival in Ford Village?
2:28–12:29
3
What is the significance of the mysterious rose‑bush that moves without wind?
12:29–21:37
4
Why does Rebecca become convinced Agnes is missing and what clues does she find?
21:37–32:16
5
How does the postmaster’s letter reveal the dark truth about the Dent family?
32:16–48:52
6
What themes of blood obligation and the wicked stepmother drive the narrative?
48:52–1:03:44