# X: News from Geneva explained — At the Villa Rose

> Chapter companion for At the Villa Rose by A. E. W. Mason.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_villa_rose_se/chapters/x-news-from-geneva
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_villa_rose_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_villa_rose_se/chapters