The Lodger · Chapter
XXII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Bunting learns from Joe Chandler that the police are investigating a new Avenger murder, with a clue involving a gentleman who paid for milk with a sovereign at 'The Hammer and Tongs' pub. She becomes increasingly anxious about Mr. Sleuth's involvement. Later, Mr. Sleuth observes Daisy from the window and quotes Wordsworth. Bunting returns with Daisy, and Mrs. Bunting shares the news of the murder with him. Mr. Sleuth requests the newspaper containing the rubber sole footprint clue. Bunting reflects on his earlier suspicions about the lodger, and a telegram from Chandler reveals he cannot fetch Daisy as planned.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Suspicion
Mrs. Bunting's growing anxiety and the household's secretive reactions to the Avenger investigation highlight pervasive fear and suspicion.
Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. Sleuth's gentle demeanor and poetic quotation contrast sharply with the violent reality of the Avenger murders.
Complicity and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Bunting's concealment of information and her conflicted feelings about the lodger's possible guilt reflect moral ambiguity.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bunting
Learns about the new Avenger murder and the clue involving a gentleman at a pub; becomes increasingly anxious and secretive.
- Joe Chandler
Visits Mrs. Bunting to share details of the investigation and sends a telegram saying he cannot fetch Daisy.
- Mr. Sleuth
Observes Daisy from the window, quotes Wordsworth, and requests the newspaper with the rubber sole footprint.
- Mr. Bunting
Returns with Daisy, learns of the murder, and reflects on his earlier suspicions about the lodger.
- Daisy
Returns home with her father, smiles up at the window where Mr. Sleuth and Mrs. Bunting stand, and wonders about Chandler's absence.
Key passages
“a very clever, secret job of it. I 'spect he'll get promotion for that!”
Chandler praises the detective work on the case, suggesting it will lead to a promotion.
Chandler discusses the investigation with Mrs. Bunting.
“What about the clue? ... You said there was a clue?”
Mrs. Bunting asks Chandler about the clue he mentioned.
Mrs. Bunting presses for details on the investigation.
“Well, I don't rightly understand about the clue myself. All I knows is it's got something to do with a public-house, 'The Hammer and Tongs,' which isn't far off there.”
Chandler admits he doesn't fully understand the clue but says it involves a nearby pub.
Chandler shares limited information about the clue.
“They think 'twas a gentleman ... A very peculiar-looking gent, with a leather bag in his hand, went into the bar and asked for a glass of milk. And what d'you think he did? Paid for it with a sovereign!”
Chandler reveals the police suspect a gentleman who paid for milk with a sovereign at the pub.
Key clue linking the Avenger to a gentleman.
“A very sweet-looking young girl ... Wordsworth ... A poet too little read nowadays, Mrs. Bunting; but one with a beautiful feeling for nature, for youth, for innocence.”
Mr. Sleuth comments on Daisy's appearance and quotes Wordsworth, praising the poet's appreciation of innocence.
Mr. Sleuth's poetic observation of Daisy.
“I've had a wonderful piece of luck ... I had a sovereign given me by the young lady.”
Bunting tells Mrs. Bunting he received a sovereign as a tip from a young lady at a party.
Bunting shares his good fortune with his wife.
