# A Suggestion explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## What happens

Ned Cromarty confronts Simon Rattar about the scandalous rumors implicating Sir Malcolm and Cicely Farmond in Sir Reginald's murder. Ned insists on hiring a London detective to investigate further, but Rattar resists, arguing that the evidence is insufficient and that further inquiry would only cause a family scandal. The chapter ends with Rattar growing agitated after Ned leaves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Investigation

Ned Cromarty pushes for a more thorough investigation by hiring a London detective, while Simon Rattar defends the existing police work and cautions against further inquiry.

### Suspicion and Rumor

The chapter revolves around the damaging rumors implicating Sir Malcolm and Cicely Farmond, and the debate over how to address them.

### Secrecy and Silence

Simon Rattar advocates for avoiding a family scandal by not pursuing the case further, suggesting a preference for secrecy over full disclosure.

## Character check-ins

### Ned Cromarty

Visits Simon Rattar to demand action against the scandalous rumors and insists on hiring a London detective.

### Simon Rattar

Reluctantly meets with Ned Cromarty, defends the police work, and argues against hiring a detective to avoid a family scandal.

## Key lines

> I’ve come to see you about this scandalous story that’s going round.

Ned Cromarty confronts Simon Rattar about the rumors.

_Ned directly addresses the scandal._

> What we want is a London detective.

Ned insists on hiring a detective from London.

_Ned's suggestion for a better investigator._

> I propose to avoid the painful family scandal which further disclosures and more publicity would almost certainly bring about.

Simon Rattar wants to prevent a family scandal by not pursuing the case.

_Rattar's rationale for inaction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters/xvii-a-suggestion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters