The Midnight Guest · Chapter
The Express Letter explained
Ravenspur is unable to see Mrs.
What happens
Ravenspur is unable to see Mrs. Delahay, who refuses all visitors. Walter Lance confronts him with evidence linking Mrs. Delahay to the mysterious Valdo, a flying performer, and reveals that she was seen at Valdo's dressing room. Meanwhile, Inspector Dallas investigates the night of the murder and discovers that Mrs. Delahay was absent from the hotel for two hours, and that an express letter was delivered to Mr. Delahay just before his death.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Mrs. Delahay's hidden movements and her secret visit to Valdo's dressing room deepen the mystery.
Crime and Mystery
The express letter, the yellow handbill, and the attack on Ravenspur form a web of clues.
Family and Loyalty
Walter's concern for his uncle Ravenspur drives him to investigate, despite risking offense.
Characters to notice
- Lord Ravenspur
Despondent after being refused by Mrs. Delahay; later confronted by Walter with new evidence.
- Walter Lance
Investigates the yellow handbill clue, visits Valdo's theatre, and reveals seeing Mrs. Delahay there.
- Mrs. Delahay
Refuses to see Ravenspur; her absence from the hotel on the night of the murder is confirmed.
- Inspector Dallas
Investigates the hotel staff and learns about Mrs. Delahay's two-hour absence and the express letter to Delahay.
- John Stevens
His evidence about Mrs. Delahay's whereabouts is corroborated by the hotel clerk.
- Signor Valdo
A flying performer connected to the yellow handbill clue; Mrs. Delahay is seen visiting his dressing room.
Key passages
“I have been reading today’s evidence in the Delahay case, and I was so interested in the matter that I went to Scotland Yard and had a chat with Inspector Dallas. It seems to me that Mrs. Delahay has placed herself in a very compromising position.”
Walter tells Ravenspur that after reviewing the day's testimony, he consulted Inspector Dallas and concluded that Mrs. Delahay's actions have made her look guilty.
Walter expresses his suspicion about Mrs. Delahay's credibility.
“Finally I found this lying on the floor, and I should like you to read it. You may find it interesting.”
Walter presents the yellow handbill he discovered in the studio, suggesting it is a clue left by the attacker.
The handbill is introduced as evidence linking the attack to Valdo.
“I saw Mrs. Delahay. And now you know why I am sure that there is something more behind this than has yet come to light.”
Walter reveals that he spotted Mrs. Delahay at Valdo's dressing room, confirming a hidden connection.
Walter's sighting of Mrs. Delahay deepens the mystery.