The Avenger · Chapter
IX: The Ancestor explained
Michael Brixan and the film company arrive at the Dower House, the dilapidated home of Sampson Longvale.
What happens
Michael Brixan and the film company arrive at the Dower House, the dilapidated home of Sampson Longvale. Brixan is struck by the old-world charm of Longvale and the beauty of Adele Leamington, whom he watches perform a scene. He learns that Foss is late, having stopped to speak with Sir Gregory Penne, and that Knebworth distrusts Foss's financial habits. In the study, Brixan sees a portrait of Longvale's great-great-uncle, Charles Henry, and is visibly shaken when Longvale mentions the name. Later, a mysterious face appears at the window, and Brixan, armed with a Browning, goes to investigate, eventually admitting he saw a face.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
The dilapidated Dower House and Longvale's charming exterior hide deeper mysteries; the film's plagiarized story and Foss's secret interview with Penne suggest layers of deceit.
The Macabre and Grotesque
The sudden appearance of a face at the window, described as looking like a monkey's head, introduces a macabre element, and Brixan's reaction to the portrait hints at a dark family secret.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Arrives at the Dower House, observes the film shoot, feels an emotional pull toward Adele, is disturbed by the portrait of Charles Henry, and investigates a face at the window.
- Sampson Longvale
Welcomes the company to his dilapidated Dower House with old-world courtesy; proudly shows the portrait of his great-great-uncle Charles Henry.
- Jack Knebworth
Directs the film shoot, complains about Foss's tardiness and financial troubles, and sees a face at the window.
- Adele Leamington
Performs as Roselle in the film scene; Brixan is captivated by her acting and her presence.
- Lawley Foss
Arrives late after a confidential interview with Sir Gregory Penne; Knebworth criticizes his financial irresponsibility.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Mentioned as having a private interview with Foss at Griff Towers.
Key passages
“I should like to shoot a scene before we lose the light, Mr. Longvale”
Knebworth wants to film a scene while there is still daylight.
Shows Knebworth's urgency to use natural light for filming.
“That fellow's going to ruin my credit if I'm not careful.”
Knebworth worries that Foss's financial troubles will damage his own reputation.
Reveals Knebworth's distrust of Foss and concern for his own finances.
“I guess it's a steal”
Knebworth admits the film's story is plagiarized.
Highlights the lack of originality in the film's plot.
“I could have sworn I saw a head in the window.”
Knebworth is certain he saw a face at the window.
Introduces a mysterious and possibly threatening presence.