The Midnight Guest · Chapter
XII: A Speaking Likeness explained
Lord Ravenspur is stunned by Walter Lance's revelation that Mrs.
What happens
Lord Ravenspur is stunned by Walter Lance's revelation that Mrs. Delahay has been lying about her movements on the night of her husband's murder. Walter suggests that Mrs. Delahay may be shielding someone and proposes interviewing the witness John Stevens to uncover more about Louis Delahay's past. Walter and Venables track Stevens to a theatre, where they observe him arguing with Valdo and receiving money. They follow Stevens to his rooms, where he promises to consult his diary for information. While waiting, they discover a painting that Walter recognizes as his uncle's stolen masterpiece.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Mrs. Delahay's deliberate lies and the hidden motives behind her actions deepen the mystery surrounding the murder.
Crime and Mystery
The investigation into Delahay's past and the discovery of the stolen painting highlight the unfolding criminal puzzle.
Characters to notice
- Lord Ravenspur
Struggles to process Walter's revelation about Mrs. Delahay's lies and agrees to confront her again.
- Walter Lance
Shares his discovery with Lord Ravenspur and later proposes interviewing Stevens to uncover the truth about Delahay.
- Mr. Venables
Accompanies Walter to interview Stevens and helps secure his cooperation with a monetary offer.
- John Stevens
Found at a theatre, visibly drunk and better dressed; argues with Valdo and agrees to share information from his diary for money.
- Signor Valdo
Seen arguing with Stevens outside the theatre and giving him money.
- Mrs. Delahay
Discussed as having told deliberate lies about her actions on the night of the murder; refuses to see Lord Ravenspur.
Key passages
“It is just possible that she is shielding somebody. It is just possible that the whole thing is capable of explanation.”
Walter suggests that Mrs. Delahay might be protecting someone, and that there could be a reasonable explanation for her actions.
Walter speculates on Mrs. Delahay's motives for lying.
“I could open your eyes about a few of them in that neighbourhood. I haven't been loafing about Fitzjohn Square all these months for nothing.”
Stevens boasts that his months of surveillance in Fitzjohn Square have given him valuable insights into the residents' secrets.
Stevens hints at his knowledge of local scandals.
“I declare to you that the painting hanging up there is the one which my uncle always considered his masterpiece.”
Walter confirms that the portrait in Stevens' room is the stolen masterpiece his uncle prized most.
Walter identifies the stolen painting, linking Stevens to the earlier theft.