Simon · Chapter
V: The Third Visitor explained
Cicely Farmond visits Simon Rattar to demand the truth about her identity, suspecting she is Sir Reginald's illegitimate niece.
What happens
Cicely Farmond visits Simon Rattar to demand the truth about her identity, suspecting she is Sir Reginald's illegitimate niece. Rattar is evasive and insists on consulting Sir Reginald before revealing anything. After she leaves, Rattar appears agitated and watchful.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
Cicely's quest to uncover her true parentage and the deliberate concealment by the Cromarty family.
Secrecy and Silence
Rattar's refusal to disclose information and the family's unspoken agreement to keep Cicely's origins hidden.
Class and Social Status
The implications of illegitimacy and Cicely's uncertain place within the aristocratic Cromarty family.
Characters to notice
- Cicely Farmond
Visits Rattar to demand knowledge of her true identity, having guessed she is Sir Reginald's illegitimate niece.
- Simon Rattar
Receives Cicely's visit, remains evasive, and after she leaves shows signs of agitation and paranoia.
- Sir Reginald Cromarty
Mentioned as the one Rattar insists on consulting before revealing Cicely's identity.
- Lady Cromarty
Mentioned as being kind but reserved about Cicely's background.
- James Bisset
Cicely mentions having drawn information about the Cromarty family history from him.
Key passages
“Mr. Rattar, I want you to tell me honestly who I am.”
Cicely directly asks Rattar to reveal her true identity.
This is the central demand of the chapter.
“I must consult Sir Reginald.”
Rattar refuses to answer without first speaking to Sir Reginald.
Rattar uses Sir Reginald as a reason to delay revealing the truth.
“As the door closed behind her, Mr. Rattar took out his handkerchief and wiped his brow and his neck.”
After Cicely leaves, Rattar shows signs of stress and anxiety.
Indicates Rattar's discomfort and possible fear regarding the situation.