# IX: The Ancestor explained — The Avenger

> Chapter companion for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters/ix-the-ancestor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters