Gaudy Night

The next morning the academics meet in the faculty lounge, also known as the Senior Common Room. Miss Pike complains to her colleagues that her academic gown is missing. Harriet asks if she’s also missing a dress. When Miss Pike appears puzzled, Harriet reveals that the effigy she found the night before was wearing a dress and Miss Pike’s robe. No one can identify the owner of the dress. Harriet studies the note that was pinned to the effigy’s chest. It’s a Latin quote by Virgil describing harpies—famished, mythical female creatures who attack men and despoil their food.

Harriet then goes to call on Cattermole, who is nursing a terrible hangover. Pomfret has called to see how she’s doing, and Harriet sends him to a pharmacist for her favorite hangover cure—hobnailed liver. While he is gone, Harriet has a private word with Cattermole, advising her to shape up if she hopes to stay at college. Cattermole complains that she never wanted to go to university in the first place, but her parents insisted. After this conversation, Harriet complains to the Dean: “Why do they send these people here? Making themselves miserable and taking up the place of people who would enjoy Oxford.