1929 Quote by Gladys Mitchell
““Look here, Mrs. Bradley," he said. "I feel a pretty frightful bounder telling you all this about the poor girl, but I think some woman ought to know about it. On Wednesday night, yes, last night, Eleanor came into my bedroom at about half-past twelve and--and wanted to stay there! I thought it was a ghost at first. I had terrible difficulty in getting rid of her. In fact, I had to get out of bed and shove her outside and lock the door. Choice, isn't it?" ... "Of course you will lock your door tonight," she said. "You bet I shall," Bertie said fervently, "and nothing short of the house catching fire is going to persuade me to open it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Mystery of a Butcher’s Daughter by Gladys Mitchell, 1935
A woman confronts a supernatural or unsettling encounter, choosing to protect herself by keeping doors locked despite fear.
In simple terms: She decides to lock the door to stay safe.
Key Takeaway
Lock doors to protect yourself from unwanted intrusions.
Themes
fear
self‑protection
supernatural
decision‑making
Mood
anxious
determined
defensive
Type
advice
narrative
cautionary
When to use this quote
- nighttime encounters
- home security
- unexpected visitors
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
boundaries
personal safety
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if you felt a presence in your home?
- How do you balance safety with openness?
A Different Perspective
Locking doors may not stop all threats; it can also isolate.
![“Bertie," he said, "I want your advice." "Carry on." "At least, not your advice, because that wouldn't be much good to anybody. I mean, you're a pretty consummate old [prat], aren't you? Not that I want to hurt your feelings, of course." "No, no, I see that." "What I wish you to do is put the whole…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/88e/anonymous-1_advice_bertie-he-said-i-want-your-advice-carry_539824.jpg)
