# Edith Meets the Player explained — The Melody of Death

> Chapter companion for The Melody of Death by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Edith, determined to unravel the mystery of the street musician, summons May Wing to her home. May reveals that she was sent by her grandfather to play Rubinstein's 'Melody in F' at the Standerton house on the night of Edith's wedding, following a letter from Gilbert posted from Doncaster. Edith, puzzled and suspicious, resolves to investigate her husband's secretive behavior. Meanwhile, May returns home to Hoxton, where her grandfather reveals that a man named Wallis is coming to discuss taking a lodger. Wallis arrives, seeking a quiet lodging for a friend.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Gilbert's secret letter and the mysterious music create a web of deception that Edith is determined to unravel.

### Music and Emotion

The 'Melody in F' is central to the mystery, marking a turning point in Gilbert's life and evoking strong emotions in Edith.

### Identity and Disguise

May Wing's refined speech contrasts with her humble appearance, and Gilbert's hidden life raises questions about his true identity.

## Character check-ins

### Edith Standerton

Summons May Wing to her home, questions her about the mysterious music, and resolves to investigate her husband's secrets.

### May Wing

The street musician who played the 'Melody in F' on Edith's wedding night; she explains the circumstances and shows the letter from Gilbert.

### Gilbert Standerton

Referenced through the letter he sent to the musician; his mysterious behavior and change since marriage are central to Edith's investigation.

### George Wallis

Visits May Wing's grandfather to discuss taking a lodger; he is the man who helped May at Epsom.

### Mrs. Cathcart

Edith writes to her mother (Mrs. Cathcart) about taking the three hundred pounds due from the broker.

## Key lines

> When people send for me, it is either to pay me for my music, or to bribe me to desist!

May Wing remarks that she is usually summoned either to be paid or to be paid to stop playing.

_May's witty observation highlights her awareness of the typical motives behind being called._

> I have never seen him since except once when I was on the top of an omnibus.

May says she has only glimpsed Gilbert once since that night, from a bus.

_This emphasizes the distance between Gilbert and May after the mysterious event._

> She had found a mission in life—the solution of this mystery which surrounded her husband like a cloud.

Edith decides that her purpose is to solve the mystery enveloping her husband.

_Edith's determination to uncover the truth marks a turning point in her character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_melody_of_death_se/chapters/ix-edith-meets-the-player
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_melody_of_death_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_melody_of_death_se/chapters