# The Last Act explained — The D’Arblay Mystery

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

## What happens

Stephen Gray informs Marion and Miss Boler that an arrest is imminent, leading to confusion about the identity of the attacker. The police set up an operation at the studio, but the suspect turns out to be the red-nosed man. In the ensuing confrontation, the suspect is killed by his own knife, and Thorndyke reveals that the red-nosed man was actually Morris (Bendelow) in disguise, using makeup.

## Themes in this chapter

### Murder and Investigation

The climax of the investigation with the attempted arrest and death of the suspect.

### Deception and Fraud

The suspect's use of makeup to disguise his identity, fooling even those who knew him.

### Danger and Protection

The violent confrontation and the protective measures taken by the characters.

## Character check-ins

### Stephen Gray

Narrator and participant in the arrest operation; injured during the confrontation.

### Marion D'Arblay

Anxious about the arrest and the identity of the attacker; stays at the studio with Miss Boler.

### Miss Boler

Determined to witness the capture; hurls a stool at the suspect, causing his death.

### Dr. Thorndyke

Arranges the arrest and later reveals the suspect's disguise; provides medical aid.

### Detective-Superintendent Miller

Oversees the police operation at the studio.

### Barber

Retired detective-sergeant employed by Thorndyke; assists in the operation and explains the makeup.

## Key lines

> I would give all that I possess, to be there and see the villain taken.

Miss Boler expresses a strong desire to witness the arrest.

_Shows her determination and involvement._

> Masterly makeup, that. Looks queer enough now, but when he was alive you couldn't spot it even in daylight.

Barber comments on the effectiveness of the suspect's disguise.

_Highlights the theme of deception._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se/chapters/xviii-the-last-act
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_d_arblay_mystery_se/chapters