A Gentleman of Leisure · Chapter
XXIX: The Last Round explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. McEachern is confronted by a detective who claims to have caught a burglar, but the detective mistakenly handcuffs McEachern himself. Jimmy Pitt arrives, reveals that the supposed burglar is actually a detective hired by McEachern, and secures McEachern's release. Jimmy then confesses that he broke into McEachern's house to win a bet, not as a burglar, and explains his relationship with Molly. McEachern, realizing his mistakes, agrees to tell Molly the truth. The chapter ends with Jimmy observing McEachern and Molly reconciling on the terrace.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
The detective mistakes McEachern for a criminal, and Jimmy's true motives are finally revealed, highlighting how appearances can mislead.
Family and Obligation
McEachern's fear of losing Molly drives him to confront his past, and Jimmy urges him to do the 'square thing' by his daughter.
Identity and Transformation
McEachern shifts from antagonist to a vulnerable father, and Jimmy's identity as a non-criminal is fully clarified.
Characters to notice
- Jimmy Pitt
Reveals the truth about his burglary and persuades McEachern to reconcile with Molly.
- John McEachern
Is handcuffed by a detective, then freed by Jimmy; agrees to confess his past to Molly.
- Molly McEachern
Enters with Lord Dreever; her father agrees to speak with her privately.
- Spennie Dreever
Accompanies Molly and later congratulates Jimmy on his engagement.
- Samuel Galer
Revealed to be a detective hired by McEachern; mistakenly locked in a cellar by the other detective.
Key passages
“I broke into your house that night to win a bet. That's the limpid truth.”
Jimmy admits that his break-in was motivated by a bet, not burglary.
Jimmy finally clarifies his earlier actions to McEachern.
“Go and do it now. She'll forgive you. Don't be afraid of that.”
Jimmy urges McEachern to confess the truth to Molly immediately.
Jimmy encourages McEachern to be honest with his daughter.
“I've done a fair cop this very night.”
The detective claims he has successfully caught a criminal.
The detective's overconfidence leads to his mistake.