The Avenger · Chapter
III: The Niece explained
Adele Leamington, a struggling film actress, receives an early morning visit from a man claiming to be a reporter.
What happens
Adele Leamington, a struggling film actress, receives an early morning visit from a man claiming to be a reporter. He questions her about her uncle, Francis Elmer, who has disappeared. Adele reveals she barely knows him, having seen him only twice. The man, Mike Brixan, later investigates a news shop where Elmer had picked up a letter and finds a newspaper with a suspicious agony advertisement marked.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
Mike Brixan pretends to be a reporter to gain information from Adele, highlighting the theme of deception.
Ambition and Failure
Adele's struggle as a film actress and her fear of being considered no good reflect the theme of ambition and failure.
Characters to notice
- Adele Leamington
A young film actress living in a small room, worried about her missing uncle Francis Elmer.
- Mike Brixan
Posing as a reporter, he interviews Adele about her uncle and later investigates a news shop for clues.
- Mrs. Watson
Adele's landlady, described as stout and unbending, who disapproves of young men calling on her tenant.
- Jack Knebworth
A director who employs Adele on his lot, though she fears he thinks she is no good.
- Uncle Francis
Adele's missing uncle, Francis Elmer, who was seen looking ill and worried in Chichester.
Key passages
“I’ve a horrible suspicion that Mr. Knebworth knows instinctively that I am no good.”
Adele fears that Jack Knebworth can tell she lacks talent as an actress.
Adele expresses her insecurity about her acting abilities.
“He seemed like a chap who’d lost his head.”
The shopkeeper described Francis Elmer as appearing very confused and distressed.
The shopkeeper's description of Elmer's demeanor.