The Man Who Desired Wealth explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Secrecy

  Gilbert hides his true financial situation and the nature of his 'other work' from Edith; the robbery is kept from the press.

• Wealth and Greed

  Mrs. Cathcart's fury stems from Gilbert's lack of wealth; the diamond necklace is held as security for debts.

• Crime and Morality

  The sophisticated safe robbery and the police's inability to convict known criminals highlight the tension between crime and justice.

Characters to notice

• Gilbert Standerton

  Defends his marriage to Edith, resigns his post at the Foreign Office, and is mentioned as having been told about the diamond necklace.

• Edith Standerton

  Stands by Gilbert against her mother, writes the letter revealing his disinheritance, and begins to see a new tragic side to her husband.

• Mrs. Cathcart

  Enraged upon learning of Gilbert's poverty, confronts the couple and is rebuffed by both Edith and Gilbert.

• Leslie Frankfort

  Present at the safe robbery investigation, admits to having told Gilbert Standerton about the diamond necklace.

• Mr. Warrell

  Discusses the safe robbery with the detective and Leslie, anxious to keep the loss of the necklace quiet.

• Chief Inspector Goldberg

  Investigates the safe robbery at Warrell & Bird, identifies the work of a known gang.

Key passages

• “If he had been a rich man indeed I might; but for the time being, though I do not love him, and though I should not blame him and do not blame him if he does not love me, my lot is cast with his, my place is here.”

  Edith tells her mother that she will stay with Gilbert despite not loving him, because her duty is to him now.

  Edith asserts her loyalty to Gilbert over her mother's objections.

• “I find I have so much to do, and the Foreign Office takes up so much of my time that I really can’t spare, that it came to a question of giving up that or something else.”

  Gilbert tells Edith he is resigning from the Foreign Office because his other commitments are too demanding.

  Gilbert hints at a secret activity that takes precedence over his official job.

• “There is only one gang in England which could do this, and I could lay my hands on them today, but it would be a million pounds to one against my being able to secure at the same time evidence to convict them.”

  Inspector Goldberg says he knows who the burglars are but lacks the proof to arrest them.

  Highlights the difficulty of prosecuting known criminals despite police knowledge.