The Wife's Secret

About the show

Although various aspects of the play differ between the 1846 and 1869 versions of the text, the general plot remains the same: Lady Eveline is hiding her brother, Lord Arden, in her house after he and his fellow Cavaliers are defeated in their attempt to overthrow the Commonwealth of England. While Lady Eveline posits that her husband, Sir Walter, though a Parliamentarian, will have mercy on her brother if he reveals himself, Lord Arden insists on remaining hidden, as he fears that Sir Walter will have him arrested if he discovers him. Sir Walter comes to suspect that Lady Eveline is keeping a lover hidden in the house, and threatens to kill him. Lady Eveline reveals the truth and Sir Walter, although sceptical at first, comes to believe her, and decides to protect Lord Arden. Jabez Sneed, a servant that has been stealing money from Lady Eveline, attempts to escape arrest and flee by boarding a ship- but his plot is discovered by Sir Walter, who plans to report him to the authorities.