Wilkie Collins: Hide and Seek. Buddy Read Part 1

[JJ]

At the opening we are introduced to Zack, his grandfather, and his parents. Jack is clearly cut out to be a mischievous boy. Then Valentine Blyth and his wife and a few other characters are put on the stage. Mr. Blyth has adopted a deaf/mute girl named Mary from a circus. Several years later Mary has become a beautiful young "Madonna" and Mr. Blyth has resolved to set rebellious Zack straight. In the last chapter of part 1, Mrs. Peckover let the secret slip to Zack that Madonna already had a "hair bracelet" (when Zack wanted to buy her one). This is a very brief summary. Here are some questions.

What are your thoughts about the characters and/or their relationships to each other?

How was the incident of Mary's drawing significant? How was Zack careless?

How has the foreboding words of Zack's grandfather played out in the future of Zack character? (His grandfather did not agree with Mr. Thorpe being strict with Zack)

Why do you suppose Mr. Blyth is still worried after all these years, that someone will take away Mary? She is already nearly considered an adult by that time.