Fantômas · Chapter
Lord Beltham's Murderer explained
Late at night, Lady Beltham is disturbed by a commotion in her house.
What happens
Late at night, Lady Beltham is disturbed by a commotion in her house. Her servants have captured a man in the garden, whom they suspect of being a thief. Despite their warnings, Lady Beltham insists on speaking to him alone. The man is revealed to be her lover, Gurn, who has come to see her. After a passionate reunion, she arranges for his release, but the servants have already alerted the police. Gurn is arrested outside, and Lady Beltham collapses upon learning that her majordomo betrayed him. Inspector Juve appears at the door.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
Gurn disguises himself as a ragged stranger; Lady Beltham hides her true relationship with him behind a mask of cold indifference.
Crime and Justice
Gurn is arrested for the murder of Lord Beltham, and the police are shown actively pursuing him.
Obsession and Vengeance
Lady Beltham's passionate love for Gurn and the majordomo's eagerness to see him captured suggest obsessive drives.
Characters to notice
- Lady Beltham
Hosts the scene; secretly in love with Gurn; collapses after his arrest.
- M. Gurn
Lady Beltham's lover; arrested as Lord Beltham's murderer.
- Inspector Juve
Appears at the door at the end of the chapter.
- Thérèse Auvernois
One of the girls under Lady Beltham's care; present during the commotion.
- Lisbeth
Another girl in Lady Beltham's household; hysterical after seeing blood.
- Susannah
A girl in Lady Beltham's household; present during the events.
Key passages
“I will see him. I will be more pitiful than you.”
Lady Beltham insists on meeting the captured man, claiming she will show more compassion than her servants.
Demonstrates her determination and hidden motive.
“Oh, Gurn, my darling, my darling! I love you! I love you, darling!”
Lady Beltham reveals her true feelings, embracing Gurn passionately once they are alone.
Reveals the secret romantic relationship between Lady Beltham and Gurn.
“I pointed him out to the police, and it's thanks to me, your ladyship, that Gurn, the murderer, has been arrested at last!”
The majordomo proudly claims credit for alerting the police and facilitating Gurn's capture.
Highlights the betrayal and leads to Lady Beltham's collapse.