# The Haunted Man explained — The D’Arblay Mystery

> Chapter companion for The D’Arblay Mystery by R. Austin Freeman.

## What happens

Stephen Gray arrives at the studio and receives a message from Polton that Dr. Thorndyke expects a visit from a CID officer the next day. Polton also gives Stephen a device to see behind him without turning his head. Stephen shows Marion a photograph given by Thorndyke, which she identifies as the man who attacked her. Later, Stephen is followed and observes two mysterious men in the lane, one of whom confronts him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Danger and Protection

Stephen is followed by unknown men, receives a device to detect stalkers, and arms himself with a pistol, highlighting the ongoing threat.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Polton's gift of the rear-view device and Thorndyke's protective instructions demonstrate loyalty and care for Stephen's safety.

## Character check-ins

### Stephen Gray

Arrives at the studio, receives messages from Polton, shows Marion the photograph, and is followed in the lane.

### Polton

Delivers Thorndyke's message about the CID visit and gives Stephen a rear-view device.

### Marion D'Arblay

Working on a plaster case, identifies the man in the photograph as her attacker, expresses anxiety about Stephen's safety.

### Dr. Thorndyke

Sends a message about the CID visit and provides the photograph; his investigations are progressing.

## Key lines

> I have a message for you from the doctor. It is about what you were discussing last night. He told me to tell you that he is expecting a visit from an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department, and he would like you to be present, if it would be convenient.

Polton relays Thorndyke's request for Stephen to attend a meeting with a CID officer the next day.

_Thorndyke's investigation is advancing, involving official police._

> I have invented quite a lot of different appliances for enabling you to see behind you; reflecting spectacles and walking sticks with prisms in the handle, and so on. But for use at night I think this will answer your purpose best.

Polton gives Stephen a special eyeglass that allows him to see behind him without turning around.

_Polton's ingenuity aids Stephen's safety against stalkers._

> It is he—the man who came here that night.

Marion identifies the man in the photograph as the one who attacked her.

_A crucial identification linking Thorndyke's evidence to the crime._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se/chapters/xiv-the-haunted-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se/chapters