# XVI explained — The Chink in the Armour

> Chapter companion for The Chink in the Armour by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## What happens

Sylvia becomes increasingly worried about Anna Wolsky's sudden disappearance and lack of communication. She considers going to the police, but M. Polperro discourages her. The Comte de Virieu offers to accompany her, and they visit the Commissioner of Police. The Commissioner questions them and then accompanies them to the Pension Malfait, where they search Anna's trunks but find no clues. The Malfaits are defensive and mention that the letter Anna left was shown to Madame Wachner, who may have taken it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Betrayal

Sylvia's deep concern for Anna's safety contrasts with the Malfaits' evasiveness and the possibility that Anna's disappearance may involve betrayal.

### Danger and Vulnerability

Sylvia's fear that Anna may have met with an accident highlights the vulnerability of a woman alone in a foreign city.

### Deception and Blackmail

The Malfaits' defensive behavior and the mysterious letter suggest hidden motives and potential deception.

## Character check-ins

### Sylvia Bailey

Anxious about Anna's disappearance, takes initiative to involve the police, and feels uncomfortable during the investigation.

### Comte Paul de Virieu

Accompanies Sylvia to the police station and the Pension Malfait, showing his growing closeness to her.

### Madame Wolsky

Her sudden disappearance and lack of contact are the central concern of the chapter.

### M. Polperro

Discourages Sylvia from going to the police, showing reluctance to involve law enforcement.

### Monsieur Malfait

Defensive and obsequious when the police arrive, insisting everything is in order.

### Madame Malfait

Annoyed by the police visit, mentions showing Anna's letter to Madame Wachner.

## Key lines

> There is something very bewildering and distressing in the sudden disappearance or even the absence of a human being to whose affectionate and constant presence one has become accustomed.

The sudden absence of someone you're used to having around is deeply unsettling and upsetting.

_Sylvia's emotional state as she grapples with Anna's disappearance._

> I am afraid that Madame Wolsky may be very much offended by your interference in the matter.

The Count worries that Anna might be angry if Sylvia gets involved in her affairs.

_The Count's caution about overstepping boundaries._

> To each any expedition in which the other took part had become delightful.

They both enjoyed any outing they took together.

_The growing bond between Sylvia and the Count._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chink_in_the_armour_se/chapters/xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chink_in_the_armour_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chink_in_the_armour_se/chapters