# III: The Heir explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## What happens

Simon Rattar arrives at his office and behaves unusually, requesting the letter book and ledger. Malcolm Cromarty, the heir to the baronetcy, visits Rattar to discuss his debts. He reveals his financial troubles and his fear that Sir Reginald will discover them, but Rattar agrees not to press for repayment. After Malcolm leaves, Rattar continues examining the books, and his clerk notes his strange demeanor. Then Ned Cromarty of Stanesland is announced.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Motive

Malcolm Cromarty's financial desperation and his reliance on Rattar's loan highlight the theme of greed and the motives behind his actions.

### Secrecy and Silence

Rattar's silent, inscrutable demeanor and Malcolm's hidden debts underscore the theme of secrecy and the power of silence in their dealings.

## Character check-ins

### Simon Rattar

Arrives at his office at 9:45, acts unusually by requesting the letter book and ledger, and shows a complacent expression after Malcolm's visit.

### Malcolm Cromarty

The heir to the baronetcy, a young man with literary pretensions, visits Rattar to discuss his debts and expresses apprehension about Sir Reginald's reaction.

### Mr. Ison

Rattar's head clerk, who notes Rattar's unusual behavior and the cut on his chin, and comments on Rattar's suspicious look.

### Ned Cromarty

Announced as 'Mr. Cromarty of Stanesland' at the end of the chapter, arriving to see Rattar.

## Key lines

> If ever an eye revealed apprehension it was Malcolm Cromarty's at that instant.

Malcolm Cromarty's eyes showed clear fear.

_Describes Malcolm's anxiety during his meeting with Rattar._

> Silent Simon was proverbially cautious, but it seemed to his visitor that his demeanour this morning exceeded all reasonable limits.

Rattar's usual caution seemed extreme to Malcolm.

_Highlights Rattar's unusual silence and its effect on Malcolm._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters/iii-the-heir
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters