# The Return explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxviii-the-return
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters