The Avenger · Chapter
XXXV: What Happened to Adele explained
Adele Leamington is lured from her lodgings under the pretense of a summons from Jack Knebworth, only to be abducted by Sir Gregory Penne, who drives her to Griff Towers.
What happens
Adele Leamington is lured from her lodgings under the pretense of a summons from Jack Knebworth, only to be abducted by Sir Gregory Penne, who drives her to Griff Towers. There, she is locked in a room and finds Stella Mendoza, revealing the abduction as part of Penne's scheme.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
Adele is deceived by a false summons from Knebworth, and Penne's drunken charm masks his predatory intent.
Obsession and Madness
Penne's drunken lust for power and his obsessive pursuit of Adele drive the abduction.
Characters to notice
- Adele Leamington
Abducted by Sir Gregory Penne after being tricked into leaving her lodgings.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Drunk and elated, he abducts Adele and brings her to Griff Towers.
- Stella Mendoza
Present in the locked room at Griff Towers, her white face suggests she is also a captive or unwilling participant.
- Jack Knebworth
Mentioned as the supposed sender of the summons that lures Adele away.
Key passages
“There were moments when Adele Leamington had doubts as to her fitness for the profession she had entered; and never were those periods of doubt more poignant than when she tried to fix her mind upon the written directions of the scenario.”
Adele often questioned her suitability for acting, especially when struggling to concentrate on the script.
Highlights Adele's self-doubt and distraction.
“She blamed Michael, and was immediately repentant. She blamed herself more freely; and at last she gave up the struggle, rolled up the manuscript book, and, putting an elastic band about it, thrust it under her pillow and prepared for bed.”
She first blamed Michael, then herself, before abandoning the script and getting ready for sleep.
Shows her internal conflict and decision to rest.
““From Mr. Knebworth?” she said in surprise. “At this time of night?” “Yes, miss. He’s going to make a big alteration tomorrow and he wants to see you at once. He has sent his car. Miss Mendoza is coming into the cast.””
Adele is surprised by a late-night summons from Knebworth, who claims to be making changes and has sent his car with news that Stella Mendoza is joining the cast.
The false summons that lures Adele into the abduction.
““Stop the car at once!” she said, terrified, and put her hand on the handle of the door. Instantly her arm was gripped. “My dear, you’re going to injure your pretty little body, and probably spoil your beautiful face, if you attempt to get out while the car is in motion,” he said. “Sir Gregory!” she gasped.”
Terrified, Adele demands the car stop and tries to open the door, but Penne grabs her arm and threatens her with injury if she jumps out.
The moment Adele realizes she has been abducted by Penne.
““Here’s your friend, Stella,” he said. “Say the good word for me! Knock some sense into her head if you can. I’ll come back in ten minutes, and we’ll have the grandest little wedding supper that any bridegroom ever had.””
Penne pushes Adele into a room where Stella is, telling Stella to persuade Adele, and promises a wedding supper when he returns.
Reveals Penne's intention to force a marriage.