They could have called this episode "The Many Deaths of Laura Stockbridge and/or Murdoch Collins."
Quentin tries to bully Magda into telling him what she knows about Laura. But she is desensitized to his badgering and he ends up giving her money.
Barn gives Sandor a rather garbled version of his memories of the Laura of the 1790s. He takes Sandor to the records room, which is adjacent to the crypt and has shelves with record books. It was a sudden death--that I remember, he says as he searches the shelves to find the proper ledger. My father wrote to tell me that “my cousin, Uncle Jeremiah” [what he says!] was very disturbed, and not to talk to him about it when I returned home. One way of dying is the same as another, Sandor comments. Not necessarily, Barnabas replies--I should know. He finds the correct ledger. When he finds the proper page, he murmurs, Laura Collins died January 25, 1875 [he means 1785]. Cause of death--fire! How could I have forgotten that? he asks. Or did my father change the course of history again? Was there something about her death that made him conceal the cause? Barn hopes to get the truth out of Quentin one way or another.
Laura goes into raptures when Magda throws the portrait into the fire.
Barn tries to get information out of Quentin, even apologizing for the bad start to their relationship, but Quentin isn't buying, not even when Barn gives him the telegram from Alexandria. Quentin advises him, If you’re that interested in learning about Laura, you should run to the gossip who said she was with me. It’s common knowledge, Barnabas says. Why are you so interested in Laura? Quentin asks. I'm interested in anyone I meet, Barnabas replies blandly. I think you're lying, Quentin says bluntly. And this is not the first time I've thought so. And not the last, Barnabas retorts. What does that mean? asks Quentin. That you aren't going to stop? As the tall foyer clock strikes five (a.m.), Barnabas’s scarcely concealed alarm only increases when Quentin adds, What if I decide to find out everything I can about you? You're much more mysterious than Laura. Staring at the still-striking clock, Barnabas replies, I don't mean to be. What business are you in? Quentin presses him. Investments, Barnabas replies. That’s why I travel to Bangor so often. Are you going to Bangor today? Quentin asks. I haven't decided yet, Barnabas replies. I'd like to go with you, Quentin says, if you do go. Outside, a rooster crows its warning. Barnabas says nervously, I must be going. I think my questions have unnerved my cousin, Quentin observes hopefully. Not at all, Barnabas assures him. Cook will make us a marvelous breakfast, Quentin proposes. I don’t eat breakfast, Barnabas insists as he moves toward the door. Then what about lunch, if you don't go to Bangor? Quentin suggests. Barnabas looks at him penetratingly as he asks, You do eat lunch, don't you, Cousin Barnabas?
Quentin finally reads the telegram--and is stunned by its contents, which we will find out soon. He and Magda agree that Laura seems more concerned for her children than she was before she left. Quentin goes to confront Laura at the cottage.
As if stalking an enemy, Quentin enters the cottage very quietly. Laura is still sitting by the fire, and he actual succeeds in startling her. Annoyed, she stands and points out, It’s late. We've been here later, Quentin reminds her. You'd like to say you don't remember--but you do, as I do. Why did you come back? he asks. You’re like a little boy, she says patronizingly. Have you wondered that ever since I appeared? Weren't you able to decide that for yourself? I don't believe you came back for the children, Quentin says. Yes, I need them, she says. What will you take in their place? Quentin asks. Money, anything? She simply laughs. I'm serious, he insists. I'll steal it, but I'll get it. I'll do anything to make you leave. I have powers, he declares, and I'll use them to help you. Laura cries, All I want is my children! Why is that so difficult for you to accept? BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEM IF YOU TAKE THEM! he shouts, standing about three inches away from her. Laura retorts, I know what will happen to them if they stay here! You will ruin Jamison, and I know why--because he is the heir. You will get money by using him, and I won't let that happen. You can't have him, Quentin! But at least he'll be alive! Quentin says passionately. Are you starting that again? she asks, quoting mockingly, I died in a fire in Alexandria. Yes, Quentin replies through gritted teeth, I'm starting that again. It's very foolish, she warns. It's not, Quentin replies. Now I have this, he says, producing the telegram triumphantly. More paper? she scoffs. It’s from the police in Alexandria, Quentin tells her. Your friends, she sneers. Ignoring her, he reads it aloud: “Police records confirm Laura Murdoch Collins died by fire, March 7, 1896. Death certificate follows.” Laura simply stares at him....
