At the Villa Rose · Chapter
X: News from Geneva explained
Hanaud reveals he placed a reward advertisement in a Geneva newspaper using Ricardo's name to locate Celia Harland, without naming the police.
What happens
Hanaud reveals he placed a reward advertisement in a Geneva newspaper using Ricardo's name to locate Celia Harland, without naming the police. Ricardo is initially outraged but becomes intrigued by the publicity. They receive a telegram from Marthe Gobin saying she will arrive after three o'clock. Hanaud and Ricardo meet her train, observe her taking a cab to the hotel, but when the cab arrives, Marthe Gobin is found stabbed to death inside.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Manipulation
Hanaud secretly places the advertisement without telling Ricardo or Wethermill, manipulating the situation to avoid alerting suspects.
Justice and Investigation
The advertisement is a strategic investigative step; the anticipation of Marthe Gobin's testimony and her murder escalate the case.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Ricardo
Outraged by Hanaud's advertisement but later intrigued by the limelight; decides not to inform Wethermill until Marthe Gobin's news is known.
- M. Hanaud
Places the advertisement secretly, shows initial calm but grows anxious awaiting Marthe Gobin's arrival; is horrified when she is found murdered.
- Harry Wethermill
Seen smoking a cigar, looking as if he hasn't slept; Hanaud decides not to raise his hopes prematurely.
- Marthe Gobin
Sends a telegram announcing her arrival; is observed arriving by train and taking a cab to the hotel, but is found stabbed to death in the cab.
Key passages
“I did it—because I have a sense of humour.”
Hanaud claims he placed the advertisement as a joke.
Hanaud deflects Ricardo's anger with humor, but his real motive is strategic.
“She should have come by the omnibus”
Hanaud repeats that Marthe Gobin should have taken the hotel omnibus instead of a cab.
Hanaud is shocked and disoriented after discovering Marthe Gobin's murder.