The Circular Staircase · Chapter
XXIX: A Scrap of Paper explained
Rachel Innes keeps to her bed for the first time in twenty years, troubled by the previous night's events and Gertrude's mysterious absence.
What happens
Rachel Innes keeps to her bed for the first time in twenty years, troubled by the previous night's events and Gertrude's mysterious absence. She refuses to speak to the detectives, but later meets with Mr. Jamieson, who brings a scrap of paper found among Arnold Armstrong's effects hinting at a secret room. Riggs, formerly in Doctor Walker's employ, confesses his role in surveilling Louise Armstrong and reveals his suspicion that Doctor Walker killed Paul Armstrong. The chapter deepens the mystery surrounding hidden money, secret rooms, and the dangerous Nina Carrington.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
The chapter revolves around hidden knowledge: the scrap of paper, the secret room, Riggs's covert activities, and Doctor Walker's duplicity.
Crime and Justice
Riggs's confession and the suspicion that Doctor Walker murdered Paul Armstrong highlight the pursuit of justice and the uncovering of past crimes.
Isolation and Vulnerability
Rachel feels unprotected despite the presence of detectives, and the house is described as permeable as a 'Japanese paper house,' emphasizing vulnerability.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Innes
Keeps to her bed, tormented by Gertrude's nighttime absence and the familiar voice of the stranger she encountered. She later meets with Mr. Jamieson and Riggs, piecing together clues.
- Gertrude Innes
Spends the morning reading to Rachel and later confronts Doctor Walker, refusing to vacate Sunnyside and inviting Louise Armstrong to stay.
- Mr. Jamieson
Returns to Sunnyside, tired and unshaven, bringing the cryptic scrap of paper and arranging an interview with Riggs. He theorizes that hidden bank money is concealed in the walls.
- Riggs
Former employee of Doctor Walker, now cooperating with Mr. Jamieson. He reveals his surveillance of Louise Armstrong and his belief that Walker murdered Paul Armstrong.
- Doctor Walker
Visits Sunnyside to ask the Innes party to leave, claiming Louise Armstrong wishes to return. He is suspected by Rachel and Riggs of being involved in Paul Armstrong's death.
- Louise Armstrong
Mentioned as recovering and wishing to come to Sunnyside; her name is used by Doctor Walker as a pretext to pressure the Innes family.
Key passages
“For the first time in twenty years, I kept my bed that day.”
Rachel Innes was so unwell that she stayed in bed all day, something she hadn't done in two decades.
Highlights Rachel's physical and emotional strain after the night's events.
“I believe, as firmly as I believe anything, that Doctor Walker knows something about Halsey, and that he could put his finger on him, if he wanted to.”
Rachel is convinced that Doctor Walker has information about Halsey's whereabouts and could reveal it if he chose.
Demonstrates Rachel's growing suspicion of Doctor Walker's involvement.
“I believe that somewhere in the walls of this house is hidden some of the money, at least, from the Traders’ Bank.”
Mr. Jamieson theorizes that part of the stolen bank money is concealed within the walls of Sunnyside.
Key clue linking the house to the bank robbery and the motive for the break-ins.