Leave It to Psmith · Chapter
Sensational Occurrence at a Poetry Reading explained
Eve confronts Psmith about his deception regarding Cynthia, who has written that her husband is in Paris.
What happens
Eve confronts Psmith about his deception regarding Cynthia, who has written that her husband is in Paris. Psmith proposes to Eve, but she is furious. Later, during Psmith's poetry reading, the lights go out and Lady Constance's diamond necklace is thrown from the window. Eve hides it in a flowerpot.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Manipulation
Psmith's impersonation of Ralston McTodd is exposed by Cynthia's letter; Miss Peavey and Cootes plot to steal the necklace.
Love and Romance
Psmith declares his love for Eve and proposes, despite her anger.
Comedy of Errors and Miscommunication
Eve's plan to reconcile Psmith and Cynthia backfires when she learns the truth; the blackout leads to the necklace being thrown.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Proposes to Eve after being confronted about Cynthia; reads poetry at Blandings.
- Eve Halliday
Confronts Psmith about Cynthia; receives his proposal; catches the diamond necklace and hides it in a flowerpot.
- Aileen Peavey
Walks in the Yew Alley, worrying about Cootes' disappearance; meets him and discusses her scheme for the necklace.
- Edward Cootes
Emerges from a yew tree; has become Psmith's valet; discusses the scheme with Miss Peavey.
- Rupert Baxter
Calls Psmith to the poetry reading; accompanies him inside.
- Lady Constance
Her diamond necklace is thrown from the window during the blackout.
- Cynthia
Mentioned as having written to Eve that her husband is in Paris.
Key passages
“I went to meet Cynthia.”
Eve tells Psmith she went to meet Cynthia.
Eve reveals her meeting with Cynthia, exposing Psmith's deception.
“I love you with a fervour which with my poor vocabulary I cannot hope to express.”
Psmith declares his love for Eve.
Psmith proposes to Eve despite her anger.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I think the lights have gone out.”
Psmith calmly announces the blackout during his poetry reading.
The blackout enables the theft of the necklace.