Mr. Incoul’s Misadventure · Chapter
Mr. Incoul Goes Over the Accounts explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Blydenburg, troubled by his recent confrontation with Mr. Incoul over Lenox Leigh, encounters Mr. Wainwaring outside the Grand Hôtel. Wainwaring delivers the shocking news that Mrs. Incoul has died from gas asphyxiation, and that Lenox Leigh has committed suicide after being accused of cheating at baccarat. Blydenburg, stunned and grieving, attempts to visit Incoul but is turned away. The chapter ends with Incoul calmly asking Karl to go over his accounts.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Betrayal
Blydenburg questions whether he betrayed Incoul by defending Lenox Leigh, and the chapter reveals the consequences of hidden truths.
Pessimism and Philosophical Despair
The bleak weather and the series of tragic deaths underscore a sense of hopelessness and the futility of wealth.
Social Class and Reputation
The scandal of Lenox Leigh's cheating and suicide, and the impact on social circles, highlights the importance of reputation.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Incoul
Grieving the death of his wife, but remains composed enough to review accounts with his courier.
- Mr. Blydenburg
Struggles with guilt and sorrow after learning of Mrs. Incoul's death and Lenox Leigh's suicide; attempts to visit Incoul but is refused.
- Lenox Leigh
Reported to have committed suicide by morphine after being accused of cheating at baccarat.
- Mrs. Incoul
Died from accidental gas asphyxiation in her bedroom; her death is a central event in the chapter.
- Mr. Wainwaring
Delivers the news of Mrs. Incoul's death and Lenox Leigh's suicide to Blydenburg.
- Karl
Summoned by Mr. Incoul to go over accounts.
Key passages
“Truth certainly is attractive, particularly to him who tells it, but one has to be hospitably inclined to receive it at all times as a welcome guest.”
Telling the truth may feel good to the speaker, but the listener isn't always ready to accept it.
Blydenburg reflects on the discomfort of his honesty with Incoul.
“After all, wealth is not happiness, is it?”
Money doesn't guarantee happiness.
Mr. Wainwaring offers a platitude about Incoul's misfortune.
“He would have crossed the Continent to bring a moment’s pleasure to the girl that had been asphyxiated in her bed, and he would have given his daughter to the man who had been choked down to the grave.”
Blydenburg would have done anything to comfort Mrs. Incoul or to save Lenox Leigh.
Highlights Blydenburg's deep compassion and regret.