Who Mr. Harper is
Mr. Harper arrives at the Locusts, the country house of Mr. Wharton, during a stormy night. He is tall and dignified, and he gives his name when he asks for shelter. He says little about himself, but listens closely to the people around him.
Mr. Harper and the others in the story
Mr. Wharton welcomes Harper into a household already troubled by the war outside its doors. The house stands in the Neutral Ground, between the British and American lines in Westchester County. Harper treats Mr. Wharton's two daughters, Sarah and Frances, with great kindness.
How Mr. Harper changes
Harper's arrival introduces a mystery through his quiet behavior rather than through an open account of his purpose. His calm, courteous manner gives readers hints, while the story withholds who he really is. Like Harvey Birch, he is shown from the outside, inviting readers to notice small signs without settling their meaning.
Questions
Who is Mr. Harper in The Spy?
Mr. Harper is a watchful traveler who becomes a guest at the Wharton family's home.
Why does Mr. Harper visit the Locusts?
He asks for shelter on a stormy night, and Mr. Wharton receives him.
Is Mr. Harper's identity a mystery?
Yes, the story initially keeps his identity uncertain. His attention to others and his reserved manner suggest more than he openly tells.