Mr. Dennie explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Identity and Deception

  Mr. Dennie uncovers a discrepancy in handwriting between letters signed 'Marston Greyle,' suggesting the current Squire may not be the same person who corresponded with Oliver.

• Mystery and Detection

  Mr. Dennie acts as a detective, secretly obtaining a letter and comparing handwriting to reveal a potential fraud.

Characters to notice

• Mr. Dennie

  Old actor and literary adviser to Bassett Oliver; reveals incriminating letters showing handwriting discrepancy.

• Audrey Greyle

  Provides Mr. Dennie with a letter from the current Squire for comparison.

• Valentine Greyle

  Mrs. Greyle, Audrey's mother; hosts Mr. Dennie and learns of the handwriting evidence.

• Richard Copplestone

  Present during Mr. Dennie's revelation; his play was recommended by Dennie to Oliver.

• Marston Greyle

  The present Squire; his handwriting is compared to the American letters and found different.

• Bassett Oliver

  Deceased actor; Mr. Dennie was his literary adviser and accompanied him on American tours.

Key passages

• “I have acted for a great many years as Bassett Oliver's literary adviser—taster, you might say.”

  Mr. Dennie explains that he served as Oliver's reader, screening plays before Oliver considered them.

  Establishes Dennie's role and his access to the letters.

• “Look at those three letters. All bear the same signature, Marston Greyle—but the handwriting of those two is as different from that of this one as chalk is from cheese!”

  Mr. Dennie points out that while all three letters are signed 'Marston Greyle,' the handwriting in the two American letters is completely different from the letter written by the current Squire.

  Key evidence of deception.