Simon · Chapter
The Return explained
Ned Cromarty, disguised as Mr.
What happens
Ned Cromarty, disguised as Mr. Dawkins, rescues Cicely Farmond and reveals the truth about hiring detective Carrington to clear her name. Cicely explains that Simon Rattar lied to her, claiming Ned suspected her and Malcolm, and advised her to flee to London. Ned reassures her of her innocence, and they return home together, with Cicely discovering she was never engaged to Malcolm. The chapter ends with Ned's growing affection for Cicely and his determination to confront Rattar.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
Ned adopts the false identity of Mr. Dawkins; Rattar deceives Cicely about Ned's intentions; Cicely's mistaken belief about her engagement.
Secrecy and Silence
Carrington's employer is kept secret; Rattar's lies are exposed; Cicely's flight is based on hidden information.
Suspicion and Rumor
Rumors about Malcolm's arrest and Cicely's engagement fuel suspicion; Cicely feels suspected by Lady Cromarty.
Characters to notice
- Ned Cromarty
Disguises himself as Mr. Dawkins to rescue Cicely; reveals he hired Carrington to clear her; confronts Rattar's lies; develops romantic feelings for Cicely.
- Cicely Farmond
Flees after being misled by Rattar; learns the truth from Ned; discovers she is not engaged to Malcolm; promises to go to Stanesland if needed.
- Simon Rattar
Lies to Cicely, claiming Ned suspects her and Malcolm; advises her to flee to London; Ned suspects his motives.
- F. T. Carrington
Hired by Ned to investigate; determines Cicely is innocent; his role is kept secret from others.
- Lady Cromarty
Cicely worries about her reaction; Ned advises telling her the truth.
- Malcolm Cromarty
Mentioned as falsely suspected of murder and engagement to Cicely; cleared by Ned.
Key passages
“I got that man down here to clear you—just for that purpose and no other!”
Ned explains he hired Carrington solely to prove Cicely's innocence.
Reveals Ned's true motive for bringing the detective.
“He actually advised you to bolt?”
Ned is shocked that Rattar told Cicely to run away.
Highlights Rattar's manipulative advice.
“I can't understand why these horrible stories associate Malcolm and me.”
Cicely is confused about why she and Malcolm are linked in rumors.
Leads to the revelation that they are not engaged.