Chapter 12

The chapter begins with Dr Seward's diary as he arrives at Lucy's home the day after her attack. He grows impatient when there is no answer to his knocking. Van Helsing then comes running up to the house and they decide to find somewhere to force their way in. Once inside they discover the maids, passed out on the floor. They go to Lucy's room and find the dead, Mrs Westenra laying with her. After hearing Lucy's heartbeat Van Helsing realises that she can still be saved. The maids are awoken and ordered to run a hot bath as Lucy is extremely pale and freezing cold. Whilst contemplating how they will perform the blood transfusion, Quincey Morris appears and volunteers to be the blood donor. The transfusion however, isn't as effective this time. Later on Quincey asks Seward what is wrong with Lucy and also tells him that he had a nightmare in which she was bitten by a bat. An unopened letter from Mina to Lucy asking how she is and about her wedding also informs us that Mina and Jonathan are back in Exeter and are currently staying with Mr Hawkins. Seward then receives a letter updating him on Renfield, saying that he escaped and attacked two men who were moving boxes into the old abandoned house. Whilst attacking them he shouts "They shan't rob me! I'll fight for my Lord and Master!". Mina then writes another letter to Lucy informing her that Mr Hawkins has suddenly died and that she might see her soon when visiting London. The next night, whilst Seward is watching over Lucy, he notices her teeth "seemed longer and sharper" (Typical vampire characteristic). When Arthur comes in the morning she wants a kiss but Van Helsing doesn't allow it. He holds her hand instead before Lucy has a fit of rage and then suddenly dies. Seward then consoles Arthur before being told by Van Helsing that "It is only the beginning!"