The Avenger · Chapter
The Erasure explained
Michael Brixan investigates an erased entry in a manuscript ledger at the film studio, linking Sir Gregory Penne to submitted scenarios.
What happens
Michael Brixan investigates an erased entry in a manuscript ledger at the film studio, linking Sir Gregory Penne to submitted scenarios. He learns that Lawley Foss has been taking bribes from authors and is missing. Meanwhile, Mr. Longvale reveals he was called to attend a servant and saw Foss late at night. Jack Knebworth expresses disdain for Stella Mendoza's character.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
The erased manuscript entry and Foss's secret bribe-taking highlight hidden truths beneath the surface of the film studio.
Ambition and Failure
Knebworth's critique of producers who prioritize spectacle over story reflects the pitfalls of ambition in the film industry.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Investigates the erased manuscript entry and questions Foss's whereabouts.
- Jack Knebworth
Expresses frustration with Stella Mendoza and discusses the studio's financial issues.
- Sampson Longvale
Visits the studio, mentions being called to attend a servant, and reports seeing Foss late at night.
- Lawley Foss
Missing from his hotel; discovered to have taken bribes from authors and submitted a manuscript by Sir Gregory Penne.
- Adele Leamington
Out on location; declines Brixan's invitation for tea due to work.
Key passages
““Sweet disposition!” almost howled Jack Knebworth when the old man had taken a dignified farewell. “Did you get that, Brixan? Say, if that woman’s disposition is sweet, the devil’s made of chocolate!””
Jack sarcastically remarks that if Stella Mendoza has a sweet disposition, then the devil must be made of chocolate.
Jack's disdain for Stella Mendoza is evident in this bitter comment.
““I don’t know the location, Mr. Brixan,” said Dicker, the secretary, “but it’s somewhere above Arundel. Miss Mendoza was here this morning, asking the same question. She wanted Miss Leamington to go out to lunch with her.” “Oh, she did, did she?” said Michael softly. “Well, if she comes again, you can tell her from me that Miss Leamington has another engagement.””
Dicker tells Brixan that Stella Mendoza was asking about Adele's location; Brixan instructs him to say Adele is otherwise engaged if Mendoza inquires again.
Brixan's protective stance toward Adele and his suspicion of Mendoza are clear.
““I don’t think he came home last night,” said the manager. “If he did, he didn’t sleep in his bed. He said he was going to London,” he added.”
The hotel manager reports that Foss did not return to his room and claimed he was going to London.
Foss's disappearance adds to the mystery surrounding the erased manuscript.