Simon · Chapter
XVI: Rumour explained
Ned Cromarty receives a visit from James Bisset, who presents his latest theories about Sir Reginald's murder, including a far-fetched idea of a wild man from the colonies hiding behind curtains.
What happens
Ned Cromarty receives a visit from James Bisset, who presents his latest theories about Sir Reginald's murder, including a far-fetched idea of a wild man from the colonies hiding behind curtains. Bisset then reluctantly reveals a cruel rumor spreading through the county: that Malcolm Cromarty and Cicely Farmond were secretly engaged and conspired to murder Sir Reginald. Ned is furious and realizes Lady Cromarty may believe the slander, having kept Cicely at Keldale to watch her. They discuss how the rumor started, possibly from Simon Rattar's talk of motive or from servants' gossip.
Themes in this chapter
Suspicion and Rumor
The entire chapter centers on the destructive rumor linking Malcolm and Cicely to the murder, showing how suspicion spreads and poisons relationships.
Class and Social Status
Bisset dismisses servants and women as 'uneducated creatures,' and Ned notes that Sir Reginald would have 'looked higher' for his heir, highlighting class prejudices.
Secrecy and Silence
The rumored secret engagement and Lady Cromarty's hidden suspicions underscore the theme of concealed truths and unspoken motives.
Characters to notice
- Ned Cromarty
Receives Bisset's visit, hears the rumor about Malcolm and Cicely, and reacts with fury, breaking his pipe and vowing to stop the slander.
- James Bisset
Presents his flawed deduction about a wild man from America, then reluctantly shares the county rumor about Malcolm and Cicely, showing his discomfort.
- Malcolm Cromarty
Mentioned as the subject of the rumor that he was secretly engaged to Cicely and involved in Sir Reginald's murder.
- Cicely Farmond
Mentioned as the other party in the rumored secret engagement, now kept at Keldale under Lady Cromarty's watch.
- Lady Cromarty
Believed to have started suspecting Cicely after hearing of the engagement or after Rattar's visit; she keeps Cicely at Keldale to watch her.
- Simon Rattar
Mentioned as possibly having sparked Lady Cromarty's suspicions by discussing motive and who stood to gain from the death.
Key passages
“I have taken the liberty of calling, sir, for to lay before you a few fresh datas.”
Bisset announces he has new information to share with Ned.
Bisset's formal and self-important manner introduces his visit.
“God, but I've just described yoursel', sir!”
Bisset realizes his description of the murderer matches Ned himself.
A moment of comic irony as Bisset's deduction backfires.
“They're saying Sir Malcolm and Miss Farmond had got engaged to be married.”
Bisset reveals the rumor that Malcolm and Cicely were secretly engaged.
The central rumor that drives the chapter's tension.
“I'm thinking—it's just to watch her.”
Bisset suggests Lady Cromarty is keeping Cicely at Keldale to monitor her.
Reveals Lady Cromarty's suspicion and the hostile atmosphere.