Simon · Chapter
The Letter Again explained
Carrington learns from Bisset that Cicely Farmond has disappeared, having ridden off on her bicycle the previous afternoon.
What happens
Carrington learns from Bisset that Cicely Farmond has disappeared, having ridden off on her bicycle the previous afternoon. He then visits Simon Rattar, proposing a theory that Sir Reginald may have committed suicide, and examines the lawyer's letter book to understand a dispute over a farm letting. Carrington's probing leaves Rattar visibly strained, and Carrington himself is left deeply puzzled.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Silence
Cicely's unexplained disappearance and Rattar's evasiveness about the disputed conversation highlight the theme of hidden truths and deliberate silence.
Deception and Identity
Carrington's feigned belief in the suicide theory to draw out Rattar's reaction exemplifies the use of deception in the investigation.
Justice and Investigation
Carrington's methodical questioning and examination of the letter book advance the investigative process, probing motives and alibis.
Characters to notice
- F. T. Carrington
Carrington learns of Cicely's disappearance, proposes a suicide theory to Rattar, and examines the letter book, leaving him genuinely puzzled.
- James Bisset
Bisset informs Carrington of Cicely Farmond's sudden disappearance and mentions her fear of being out alone in the dark.
- Cicely Farmond
Cicely has run away on her bicycle with only a small suitcase, leaving no message; she was seen riding toward Keldale House after dark the day before yesterday.
- Simon Rattar
Rattar appears haggard and strained during Carrington's visit; he shows relief at the suicide theory but is visibly unsettled when questioned about the letter and Cicely's visit.
- Miss Peterkin
Miss Peterkin, the manageress, speaks with Carrington about his plans to view Keldale again.
Key passages
“I really must be a little more energetic, or I'll never find anything to suit me”
Carrington jokes that he needs to be more active in his search for a shooting property.
Carrington uses the pretense of looking for a hunting lease to cover his investigative activities.
“Miss Farmond has gone, sir! ... Run away, sir, on her bicycle yesterday afternoon and deil a sign of her since!”
Bisset reports that Cicely Farmond has disappeared, having left on her bicycle the previous afternoon with no trace.
Cicely's sudden flight raises suspicion and complicates the investigation.
“I am wondering very seriously whether the true solution of his mysterious death is not—suicide!”
Carrington suggests that Sir Reginald may have killed himself.
Carrington proposes suicide as a theory to gauge Rattar's reaction and uncover the truth.
“Sir Reginald was mistaken. No such conversation.”
Rattar denies that the conversation Sir Reginald referred to ever took place.
Rattar's denial contradicts the written record and deepens the mystery.