The Fall of the House of Usher: What is the relationship between Roderick and Madeline Usher and Mr. Longfellow?

The relationship between Roderick and Madeline Usher and Mr. Longfellow in The Fall of the House of Usher is complex and filled with betrayal and resentment. Roderick and Madeline Usher, the siblings at the center of the story, are revealed to be the illegitimate children of Mr. Longfellow, the owner of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. Their mother, Eliza, worked as his secretary and their connection to him becomes a pivotal part of the story.When their mother falls ill, Roderick and Madeline seek help from Mr. Longfellow, but he cruelly refuses to come to their aid. This refusal leads to their mother's death, and they are left to bury her in secret in their own backyard. After her burial, Eliza's body inexplicably rises from the grave and makes its way to Mr. Longfellow's house, where she kills him. This event sets in motion a series of events that ultimately leads to Roderick and Madeline inheriting Fortunato Pharmaceuticals.Despite their newfound wealth and power, Roderick and Madeline struggle to maintain control over their family and business. They suspect that there is an informant within their midst, someone working with the government to bring them down. In an attempt to uncover the traitor, they gather their siblings and spouses for a tense family dinner where they present everyone with a non-disclosure agreement. The agreement includes a threat of "neutralization," meaning death, for anyone found to be betraying the family.Throughout the story, Roderick is haunted by the presence of a mysterious woman wearing a bird mask, similar to the plague doctor masks from the Middle Ages. This woman, later revealed to be named Verna, has a connection to Roderick and Madeline that dates back to a New Year's Night years ago. The details of what transpired on that night are unknown, but it is clear that Verna holds a significant influence over the Usher siblings.In summary, the relationship between R