Chapter 9 - Letter, Mina Harker to Lucy Westenra

Chapter 9 starts with a letter from Mina to Lucy, informing her that she had a safe journey and that she is now safely with Jonathan. She also says that she is now married to Jonathan as he asked her if should would before they returned to England. She also receives Jonathan's notebook but decides not to read it and find out what happened to him. Lucy's reply shows that she is getting better, sleeping well and spending lots of time with Arthur. Then there is another of Dr. Seward's diary entries describing the behaviour of Renfield. He has started to become violent during the day, then quiet during the night. He also keeps repeating "now I can wait" and refuses some cats that he is offered. Dr. Seward then carries out another experiment and assists Renfield to escape again. He follows him with the attendants into the abandoned estate next door again. Renfield is very violent when they arrive at first, however he soon has a sudden change of heart when he sees a bat flying around and then goes quietly. Another diary entry from Lucy says that she still has sleeping problems, then a letter from Arthur shows that he wants Dr. Seward to meet with her to see what her problem is. He meets at once with Lucy and then sends for his friend Van Helsing who lives in Amsterdam. He comes to England at once and also meets Lucy. He doesn't give his full conclusion to Arthur but says that he will keep in touch with good friend. Dr. Seward then notifies Arthur of Van Helsing's visit and that he will continue to keep Arthur up to date with the condition of Lucy. Dr. Seward's dairy entry then shows that Renfield has again calmed down a bit and gone back to his old ways of catching flies. He apologises for his previous bad behaviour and gets moved back to his old room. When asked about the events of the last few days he says that "All over! all over! He has deserted me. No hope for me now unless I do it for myself!". This could be referring to the bat that was seen flying during his last escape attempt. Renfield then has another change of behaviour and again gets rid of his flies. Dr. Seward ponders over the possibility that Renfield behaviour is affected and determined by day and night. The chapter ends with an urgent telegram from Dr. Seward telling Van Helsing to come quickly because the condition of Lucy has changed!