The Circular Staircase · Chapter
XV: Liddy Gives the Alarm explained
Gertrude informs Louise of her stepfather Paul Armstrong's death, and Louise reacts with unexpected relief.
What happens
Gertrude informs Louise of her stepfather Paul Armstrong's death, and Louise reacts with unexpected relief. Rachel comforts Halsey, who is distraught over Louise's refusal to see him and the mystery surrounding her changed feelings. The chapter also covers the ongoing investigation into the bank scandal and Jack Bailey's involvement. That night, strange pounding sounds and Liddy's alarm about a ghost lead to a search; Rachel finds Louise missing after hearing a scream.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Louise's hidden feelings about her stepfather's death, Halsey's confusion about her changed behavior, and the ongoing mystery of the bank scandal all underscore themes of concealment and hidden truths.
The Supernatural and Rationality
Liddy's belief in a ghost and the mysterious pounding sounds create tension between superstitious fear and rational investigation.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Innes
Rachel comforts Halsey, investigates the nighttime noises, and discovers Louise is missing.
- Gertrude Innes
Gertrude breaks the news of Paul Armstrong's death to Louise and reports her unexpected reaction.
- Halsey Innes
Halsey is distraught over Louise's refusal to see him; he discusses the situation with Rachel and later investigates the pounding sounds.
- Liddy Allen
Liddy raises the alarm about ghostly noises and claims to have seen a woman in white; she is terrified throughout the incident.
- Louise Armstrong
Louise reacts with relief to her stepfather's death and is later found missing after a scream is heard.
Key passages
“She just lay and stared at me, Aunt Ray," she said. "Do you know, I believe she is glad, glad! And she is too honest to pretend anything else.”
Gertrude tells Rachel that Louise seemed genuinely relieved by the news of her stepfather's death, unable to feign sorrow.
Highlights Louise's unexpected emotional response and her honesty.
“Whatever Louise does," he said, "nothing will convince me, Aunt Ray, that she doesn't care for me.”
Halsey insists that despite everything, he believes Louise still loves him.
Reveals Halsey's deep emotional investment and his faith in Louise's feelings.
“It's not a ghost," I said decidedly. "If it was a ghost it wouldn't rap: it would come through the keyhole.”
Rachel dismisses Liddy's ghost theory with a practical remark about how ghosts would behave.
Shows Rachel's rational approach to the mysterious noises.