Phineas Redux · Chapter
XLIX: Showing What Mrs. Bunce Said to the Policeman explained
Lord Chiltern visits Phineas Finn to propose a financial arrangement from Lady Laura's fortune, but their conversation is interrupted by Mr.
What happens
Lord Chiltern visits Phineas Finn to propose a financial arrangement from Lady Laura's fortune, but their conversation is interrupted by Mr. Low, who brings news of Mr. Bonteen's murder. Phineas is unaware of the event and produces the life-preserver and coat he carried the previous night. Police arrive, seize evidence, and take Phineas to Bow Street, where he is charged and gives his account of the evening, supported by witnesses Erle and Fitzgibbon. Lord Fawn's testimony about a hurrying man complicates the case.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
Phineas is arrested and charged with murder based on circumstantial evidence, highlighting the tension between legal procedure and actual innocence.
Scandal and Public Opinion
The murder and Phineas's arrest create a public scandal, with rumors and testimonies (e.g., Lord Fawn's) shaping perceptions before a trial.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Hosts Lord Chiltern and Mr. Low; learns of Bonteen's murder; produces life-preserver and coat; arrested and gives testimony at Bow Street.
- Lord Chiltern
Visits Phineas to propose a loan from Lady Laura's fortune; stays during police investigation and accompanies Phineas to Bow Street.
- Mr. Low
Brings news of Bonteen's murder; observes evidence and advises Phineas; accompanies him to the police office.
- Mrs. Bunce
Shows Mr. Low upstairs; snubs police during their search, refusing to cooperate.
- Barrington Erle
Present at Bow Street; testifies about events at the club and door, corroborating Phineas's account.
- Laurence Fitzgibbon
Present at Bow Street; testifies alongside Barrington Erle about the club and door events.
Key passages
“We have left Adelaide Palliser down at the Hall. We are up here only for a couple of days to see Laura, and try to find out what had better be done about Kennedy.”
Lord Chiltern explains that he and his wife are visiting London briefly to see Lady Laura and discuss Robert Kennedy's situation.
Sets up the context of Chiltern's visit and the ongoing Kennedy affair.
“How might it be possible for her to place a portion of her income at the command of the man she loved so that he should not feel disgraced by receiving it from her hand?”
Lady Laura wants to give Phineas money from her fortune without him feeling ashamed to accept it.
Reveals Lady Laura's love for Phineas and her concern for his pride.
“Whatever Mrs. Bunce could do to injure the cause of her favourite lodger by severity of manner, snubbing the policeman, and determination to give no information, she did do.”
Mrs. Bunce tried to hinder the police investigation by being rude and uncooperative.
Shows Mrs. Bunce's loyalty to Phineas.