# Aubrey Determines to Give Service That’s Different explained — The Haunted Bookshop

> Chapter companion for The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley.

## What happens

Aubrey spends a desolate Sunday after his quarrel with Titania, tormented by regret and self-doubt. He resolves to prove his suspicions about Weintraub and win back her trust by giving 'service that's different.' That night, he spies on Weintraub's pharmacy, witnessing the druggist's menacing transformation and discovering a hidden cellar laboratory filled with chemicals and tools, along with a copy of the Cromwell book. Aubrey becomes convinced that Weintraub is plotting something dangerous and decides to follow him to Philadelphia.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mystery and Adventure

Aubrey's nocturnal surveillance of Weintraub's pharmacy, discovering a hidden laboratory and suspicious chemical apparatus, heightens the thriller elements.

### Post-War Anxiety and Hope

Aubrey's internal struggle between despair and determination reflects the broader post-war tension; his resolve to 'give service that's different' embodies a hopeful, can-do spirit.

### The Haunting of the Past

Aubrey is haunted by his quarrel with Titania and the memory of her angry words, driving his obsessive need to prove himself.

## Character check-ins

### Aubrey Gilbert

Spends a miserable Sunday regretting his quarrel with Titania, resolves to prove his suspicions, and conducts a dangerous nighttime surveillance of Weintraub's pharmacy.

### Titania Chapman

Aubrey sees her leave the bookshop in a taxi, presumably for Larchmont; her angry words haunt him throughout the chapter.

### Mr. Weintraub

Observed by Aubrey in his prescription room and cellar; his face transforms into a cruel, jowlish mask, and he is seen conducting suspicious chemical work.

### Roger Mifflin

Mentioned as having returned home safely with his wife and employee; his bookshop is the focus of Aubrey's investigation.

### Helen Mifflin

Mentioned as having returned home safely with Roger and Titania.

### Mrs. Schiller

Aubrey's landlady; she is heard housecleaning while her lodgers are at church.

## Key lines

> I was going to have such a good time, and you've spoilt it all!

Titania expresses her disappointment that Aubrey's suspicions have ruined their budding friendship.

_This line haunts Aubrey and motivates his determination to prove his case._

> Business is built upon confidence. Before you can sell Grey-Matter Service to a Client, you must sell yourself.

Aubrey recalls his company's sales philosophy, applying it to his personal relationship with Titania.

_Shows how Aubrey's professional mindset merges with his personal mission._

> That man's face would be lonely in a crowd.

Aubrey reflects on the sinister, isolated appearance of Weintraub's true expression.

_Highlights the dramatic contrast between Weintraub's public persona and his hidden menace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_bookshop_se/chapters/xii-aubrey-determines-to-give-service-that-s-different
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_bookshop_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_bookshop_se/chapters