# XXIII: Simon's Views explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## What happens

Carrington interviews Simon Rattar, who shares his belief that the evidence points to Sir Malcolm and Cicely Farmond as the likely murderers, though he admits there is no proof. Rattar discusses motives, the secret engagement, and other beneficiaries, including Ned Cromarty. Carrington probes Rattar about other employers and leaves deeply thoughtful.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suspicion and Rumor

Rattar voices the popular suspicion against Sir Malcolm and Cicely, despite lack of proof, reflecting how rumor shapes the investigation.

### Greed and Motive

Discussion of financial motives for Sir Malcolm, Cicely, and Ned Cromarty highlights how greed drives the case.

### Secrecy and Silence

Rattar's reluctance to answer Carrington's questions and the secret engagement underscore the theme of hidden information.

## Character check-ins

### Simon Rattar

Expresses his opinion that the evidence points to Sir Malcolm and Cicely, discusses motives and other beneficiaries, and shows reluctance when questioned about Ned Cromarty.

### F. T. Carrington

Interviews Rattar, probes for details about the case and other suspects, and leaves baffled and thoughtful.

### Malcolm Cromarty

Discussed as a prime suspect due to his debts and secret engagement to Cicely; Rattar notes he sat up late on the night of the murder.

### Cicely Farmond

Described by Rattar as the 'insinuating type' and implicated by motive due to her secret engagement to Sir Malcolm.

### Ned Cromarty

Mentioned as a distant relative who benefited by £1,200 from the will and who lives nearby; Rattar describes him as a 'rough and ready customer'.

### James Bisset

Mentioned as a legatee and someone Carrington plans to interview.

## Key lines

> I think myself that the actual evidence is very slight and extremely inclusive.

Rattar believes the direct evidence is weak and points in many directions.

_Rattar opens the interview by downplaying the strength of the evidence._

> I fear it looks like it.

Rattar reluctantly agrees that the popular theory implicating Sir Malcolm and Cicely seems plausible.

_Rattar confirms his suspicion of the two main suspects._

> I have just been dealing lately with a case where that sum of money was involved, and for the moment I mixed the two up together!

Carrington laughs off his intense reaction to the £1,200 legacy, claiming a mix-up with another case.

_Carrington's interest in the sum hints at a deeper connection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxiii-simon-s-views
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters