# XII: Cicely explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## What happens

Ned Cromarty, after waiting in the hall, visits Cicely Farmond and the new baronet, Sir Malcolm Cromarty, in the billiard room. He expresses his condolences and discusses the impossibility of the murder, while Cicely remains in shock. Later, Bisset announces he has arrived at certain conclusions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Investigation

Ned and Cicely discuss the impossibility of the murder, highlighting the lack of motive and suspects, setting the stage for the investigation.

### Suspicion and Rumor

Ned speculates about a tramp or lunatic as the killer, reflecting the community's search for an explanation amid uncertainty.

### Greed and Motive

The absence of robbery as a motive is explicitly questioned, underscoring the puzzling nature of the crime.

## Character check-ins

### Ned Cromarty

Visits Cicely and Sir Malcolm, expresses grief and confusion about the murder, and later reflects alone before Bisset shares his conclusions.

### Cicely Farmond

In deep mourning, she receives Ned's sympathy and admits she cannot believe the murder has happened, nor can she suspect anyone.

### Malcolm Cromarty

Now the new baronet, he appears pale and disturbed, briefly greets Ned then withdraws solemnly.

### James Bisset

Efficiently manages the household, leads Ned to Cicely, serves lunch, and later announces he has arrived at certain conclusions.

## Key lines

> I’ve been too stunned till now to grasp what’s happened. Our best friend gone, Miss Farmond!

Ned admits he has only just begun to process the tragedy of losing Sir Reginald.

_Expresses shared grief and the shock of the murder._

> It’s incredible! A man without an enemy in the world—no robbery attempted—sitting in his own library—in just about the most peaceful and out of the way county in Scotland—not a sound heard by anybody—not a reason that one can possibly imagine—and yet murdered!

Ned lists the baffling aspects of the crime, emphasizing the lack of motive, witnesses, or disturbance.

_Highlights the central mystery of the murder._

> I have arrived at certain conclusions, sir.

Bisset announces he has formed some theories about the case.

_Sets up Bisset's role in the investigation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters/xii-cicely
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters