# A Chapter of Surprises explained — The D’Arblay Mystery

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

## What happens

Stephen Gray and Superintendent Miller arrive early at Thorndyke's chambers, where Thorndyke orchestrates a dramatic identification test. Two witnesses, Miss Dewsnep and Miss Bonington, identify a body in a coffin as Simon Bendelow, despite having witnessed his cremation. The body is later revealed to be a waxwork of Morris, not Bendelow, leading to a discussion about the impending arrest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Fraud

The chapter revolves around a staged identification using a waxwork, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances and the fraud surrounding Bendelow's death.

### Forensic Science and Deduction

Thorndyke uses a waxwork and witness testimony to deduce the truth about Bendelow's identity, showcasing deductive reasoning and forensic methods.

### Murder and Investigation

The investigation into Julius D'Arblay's death continues, with the identification test leading to plans for an arrest.

## Character check-ins

### Stephen Gray

Narrator and participant; arrives early, discusses the case with Thorndyke and Miller, and agrees to be present at the arrest.

### Dr. Thorndyke

Orchestrates the identification test with the waxwork; reveals the solution is obvious but withholds full explanation until after the arrest.

### Detective-Superintendent Miller

Arrives early with Gray; expresses frustration at Thorndyke's secrecy but witnesses the identification.

### Polton

Stage manager of the identification; creates the waxwork figure and escorts the ladies to refreshments.

### Miss Dewsnep

Witness to Bendelow's will; identifies the waxwork as Bendelow despite having seen him cremated.

### Miss Bonington

Witness to Bendelow's will; confirms the identification of the waxwork as Bendelow.

## Key lines

> Thorndyke has taken an immense interest in him. But I can’t see why. He doesn’t seem to me to be in the picture, or, at any rate, not in the foreground of it.

Gray is puzzled by Thorndyke's focus on Morris, as he doesn't see Morris as a key suspect.

_Gray expresses confusion about Thorndyke's interest in Morris._

> I am confident that he has the whole case cut and dried and perfectly clear in his mind.

Gray believes Thorndyke has fully solved the case.

_Gray reassures Marion of Thorndyke's competence._

> You have just heard two competent witnesses declare with complete conviction and certainty that this is Simon Bendelow.

Two reliable witnesses have identified the waxwork as Bendelow.

_Thorndyke points out the witnesses' certainty despite the impossibility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se/chapters/xvii-a-chapter-of-surprises
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se/chapters