# XX: Celestine Imparts Information explained — Piccadilly Jim

> Chapter companion for Piccadilly Jim by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Celestine, Mrs. Pett's maid, reveals to the new parlourmaid that she is now engaged to Jerry Mitchell, who has given her a ring and hinted at a lucrative 'stunt' he plans to pull off that night. The new parlourmaid reacts with cryptic hostility.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Romantic Conflict

Celestine's engagement to Jerry Mitchell is central, but the new parlourmaid's cryptic threat hints at future romantic conflict.

### Adventure and Escapade

Jerry's secret 'stunt' sets up an impending escapade that drives the plot forward.

## Character check-ins

### Celestine

Mrs. Pett's maid, excitedly shows off her engagement ring from Jerry Mitchell and shares news of his planned 'stunt'.

### Jerry Mitchell

Recently fired, he proposes to Celestine and hints at a lucrative scheme he will execute tonight.

### Maggie O'Toole

Celestine is revealed to be Maggie O'Toole, the woman Jerry loves.

## Key lines

> The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang agley if one of the mice is a mental defective or if one of the men is a Jerry Mitchell.

Plans fail if a participant is incompetent or unreliable, like Jerry Mitchell.

_Opening line humorously foreshadows the complications Jerry's involvement will cause._

> He says he’ll tell me after we’re married, but he says it’s sure-fire and he’s going to buy the license tomorrow.

Jerry promises to reveal his plan after marriage and intends to get a marriage license the next day.

_Celestine relays Jerry's confidence in his secret scheme, heightening suspense._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/piccadilly_jim_se/chapters/xx-celestine-imparts-information
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/piccadilly_jim_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/piccadilly_jim_se/chapters