CHAPTER IV -A Strange Disappearance

In Chapter IV of “A Strange Disappearance,” titled “Thompson’s Story,” we delve into the curious case surrounding the sudden vanishing of a young woman from a New York household. Mr. Gryce, a detective, and the narrator scrutinize the scene, puzzled by her unlikely escape method, specifically her descent by a ladder, and her traces marked by blood. Despite the mystery, Gryce wishes for a photograph to aid their search in the vast city.

Mr. Blake, the house’s owner, when questioned, exhibits a stark lack of knowledge or concern about the missing sewing woman, emphasizing he leaves domestic matters to Mrs. Daniels and has no recollection of the girl’s appearance or name. His disinterest extends to past servants, including a dismissed valet named Henry, portraying a man detached from his household’s workings.

The conversation reveals Blake’s peculiar disinterest in social affairs and women, a trait notable given his wealth, status, and age. This aloofness aligns with his family’s history of eccentrics, each with their unique aversions, suggesting a pattern of peculiar behavior inherited by Blake. Intriguingly, a hint of Blake’s past connection with Miss Evelyn Blake, a wealthy widow and his cousin, emerges, stirring speculation about his motives and emotional entanglements.

Further inquiry by the narrator into the household’s dynamics uncovers rumors of Blake’s previous attentions towards Miss Evelyn Blake, adding layers to the mystery. Despite these leads, Mr. Gryce remains skeptical, hinting at deeper secrets to be unearthed in the investigation of the woman’s disappearance, demonstrating the complexity and intrigue woven into the fabric of this captivating story.

This chapter draws us deeper into the enigma, showcasing the characters’ peculiarities, the societal backdrop of New York, and the intricate dance of concealment and discovery that frames this narrative of mystery and disappearance.