A Gentleman of Leisure · Chapter
XVIII: The Lochinvar Method explained
Jimmy resolves to win Molly by bold action rather than passive romance, comparing himself to Lochinvar.
What happens
Jimmy resolves to win Molly by bold action rather than passive romance, comparing himself to Lochinvar. Spike reveals that Mr. Galer is a detective hired by McEachern to spy on them, and that Sir Thomas's valet is also a sleuth watching the jewels. Spike has stolen a necklace from a guest's room, but Jimmy forces him to return it. As the theatricals approach, tension mounts. On the last afternoon, Jimmy finds Molly by the lake, lifts her into a canoe, and paddles away, initiating a daring elopement.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Risk
Jimmy adopts the 'Lochinvar method,' staking everything on a bold, risky move to win Molly.
Deception and Appearances
Detectives spy on Jimmy and Spike; the theft of the necklace and its forced return highlight hidden motives and false fronts.
Love and Marriage
Jimmy's pursuit of Molly intensifies as her engagement to Lord Dreever looms; the canoe scene signals a turning point in their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Jimmy Pitt
Determined to win Molly, he adopts a bold 'Lochinvar' approach and forces Spike to return stolen jewels.
- Spike Mullins
Identifies Galer and the valet as detectives; steals a necklace but is ordered by Jimmy to return it.
- Molly McEachern
Shows constraint and shyness toward Jimmy; he lifts her into a canoe to be alone with her.
- John McEachern
Hired detective Galer to spy on Jimmy; suspected of orchestrating Molly's engagement to Lord Dreever.
- Samuel Galer
A detective from Dodson's Agency, hired by McEachern to watch Jimmy; follows him persistently.
- Spennie Dreever
Moody about his impending engagement to Molly; confides in Jimmy that the announcement will be made at the theatricals.
Key passages
“He must stake all on a single throw now. Young Lochinvar rather than Romeo must be his model.”
Jimmy decides to risk everything in one bold move, modeling himself after the daring Lochinvar instead of the romantic Romeo.
Reveals Jimmy's strategic shift to direct action.
“Spike, I'm surprised at you! Do you know you're getting a regular Mephistopheles, Spike?”
Jimmy jokingly scolds Spike for tempting him to steal the jewels, comparing him to the devil.
Shows Jimmy's moral stance and his humorous rapport with Spike.
“Gently, but with extreme despatch, Jimmy placed a hand on either side of Molly's waist. The next moment he had swung her off her feet and lowered her carefully onto the cushions in the bow of the canoe.”
Jimmy swiftly and carefully lifts Molly into the canoe, initiating their escape.
Climactic moment of the chapter, embodying the 'Lochinvar method.'