Short Fiction · Chapter
Bill the Bloodhound explained
Henry Pifield Rice, a low-level detective at Stafford's International Investigation Bureau, falls in love with Alice Weston, a chorus girl who disapproves of his 'sneaky' profession.
What happens
Henry Pifield Rice, a low-level detective at Stafford's International Investigation Bureau, falls in love with Alice Weston, a chorus girl who disapproves of his 'sneaky' profession. She refuses his marriage proposal because she insists on marrying someone in the theatre. Henry is later assigned to shadow an actor in 'The Girl from Brighton' company—the very show Alice is in. Disguised as a Scotch business man, he follows the tour, eventually befriending star Walter Jelliffe and gaining backstage access, where he finally reunites with Alice.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Henry's romantic pursuit of Alice is complicated by her insistence on marrying someone in the theatre profession.
Identity and Self-Improvement
Henry adopts disguises and considers changing his career to win Alice's approval, reflecting a desire to reinvent himself.
Deception and Secrets
Henry's job as a detective involves spying and disguise, and he conceals his true identity from Alice while shadowing the company.
Characters to notice
- Henry Pifield Rice
A detective at Stafford's Bureau, falls for Alice Weston and is assigned to shadow an actor in her touring company.
- Alice Weston
A chorus girl in 'The Girl from Brighton' who rejects Henry's proposal because he is not in the theatre profession.
- Walt Jelliffe
The comedian and star of 'The Girl from Brighton' who befriends Henry and invites him backstage.
Key passages
“There’s a divinity that shapes our ends. Consider the case of Henry Pifield Rice, detective.”
Fate plays a role in our lives, as illustrated by the story of Henry Pifield Rice, a detective.
Opening line invoking a higher power guiding events, setting up Henry's story.
“I’ve always looked on it as rather a sneaky job.”
I've always thought detective work is underhanded.
Alice expresses her disapproval of Henry's profession, which deeply affects him.
“I’d marry you tomorrow if things were different. But I’m on the stage, and I mean to stick there.”
I would marry you right away if circumstances were different, but I am committed to my career in theatre.
Alice explains her refusal of Henry's proposal due to her dedication to the stage.