What Moves the Dead

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains references to suicide.

Easton reels from the shock of Madeline’s missing body, and Miss Potter suggests that Easton is still upset by Madeline’s death. Madeline’s shroud is on the floor, and Easton shows it to Miss Potter, asking if the white hairs on the fabric are hyphae. Using a magnifying glass, she examines the hairs and determines that they are indeed fungal hyphae. Miss Potter assumes that the hyphae are from “Saprophytic fungi,” which grow on rotting substances, but Easton says that the hairs were growing on Madeline while she was still alive. Miss Potter advises warning everyone in the house so that they can stop the spread of the fungus. She douses Easton’s hands in alcohol, and Easton reflects on the sick hares and fish, questioning whether Angus is infected and wondering where Madeline’s body is.

Easton and Miss Potter tell Denton about Madeline’s missing body, and he agrees with Easton that Roderick may have moved the body. However, Denton has given Roderick a strong soporific. Easton believes that Roderick is infected with the same fungus as Madeline, which confuses Denton. Miss Potter steps in to explain.