# XXII explained — The Lodger

> Chapter companion for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

> We are glad to be able to present our readers with an authentic reproduction of the footprint of the half-worn rubber sole which was almost certainly worn by The Avenger when he committed his double murder ten days ago.

The newspaper publishes a drawing of the Avenger's rubber sole footprint from the earlier double murder.

_The newspaper clue that Mr. Sleuth requests._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters