Simon · Chapter
II: The Procurator Fiscal explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Simon Rattar, the procurator fiscal, is introduced as a man of rigid habits and high respectability. His morning routine is disturbed when his housemaid, Mary MacLean, reports a mysterious man lurking in the garden the previous night. Rattar's unusual behavior—cutting himself shaving, upsetting the toast rack, and his tense reaction to the news—hints at inner turmoil. He warns Mary not to gossip, but she confides in the cook that the master seems afraid, suggesting he knows more than he admits.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Silence
Rattar's insistence on keeping the prowler quiet and his own hidden knowledge reflect the theme of secrecy and the power of silence.
Suspicion and Rumor
Mary's gossip with the cook and her interpretation of Rattar's behavior fuel an atmosphere of suspicion and rumor.
Characters to notice
- Simon Rattar
Shows uncharacteristic nervousness and agitation after learning of a prowler in his garden; cuts himself shaving and upsets the toast rack.
- Mary MacLean
Loyal housemaid who reports the prowler to Rattar and later confides her suspicion that he is afraid.
- Janet
The cook; practical and skeptical of Mary's 'Highland fancies,' but is slightly impressed by her solemnity.
Key passages
“The master’s no himsel’! I tell you, Janet, never have I seen Mr. Rattar look the way he looked at breakfast, nor yet the way he looked in the library!”
Mary insists to the cook that Mr. Rattar is acting out of character, both at breakfast and later in the library.
Highlights Mary's perception of Rattar's unusual demeanor and the growing sense of unease.
“It’s my opinion, the master knows more than he let on to me. The thought that came into my mind when he was talking to me was just—‘The man feels he’s being watched !’”
Mary suspects that Rattar is hiding information and believes he feels he is under surveillance.
Reinforces the theme of secrecy and Rattar's hidden anxiety.