# XVII: Looking Backwards explained — The Midnight Guest

> Chapter companion for The Midnight Guest by Fred M. White.

## What happens

Walter Lance confronts Mrs. Delahay about her past, revealing her connection to the Flavio family and the infamous poisoning trial. She admits to being Maria Descarti, sister of Carlotta Flavio, and recounts her family's feud with the Flavios, her imprisonment, and her belief that her sister was dead. Lance warns her that an Italian detective, Berti, has identified her as Countess Flavio. After Lance leaves, Mrs. Delahay reflects on her past and recalls a chambermaid who mistook her for her sister, suggesting Carlotta may still be alive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

Mrs. Delahay conceals her past and lies about her whereabouts, while Lance uncovers hidden truths about her identity and family history.

### Family and Loyalty

The Descarti-Flavio feud and the sisters' forbidden love highlight the conflict between family loyalty and personal desire.

### Identity and Appearance

Mrs. Delahay is mistaken for her sister Carlotta, and the chambermaid's confusion reveals the theme of mistaken identity.

## Character check-ins

### Walter Lance

Confronts Mrs. Delahay about her past and the Flavio connection, warning her of Berti's accusations.

### Mrs. Delahay

Reveals her identity as Maria Descarti, her family feud with the Flavios, and her belief that her sister Carlotta is dead; later suspects her sister may be alive.

### Carlotta Flavio

Referred to as Mrs. Delahay's sister, accused of poisoning her husband Count Flavio; believed dead but possibly alive.

### Count Boris Flavio

Mentioned as the elder son of Count Flavio, poisoned by his wife Carlotta.

### Berti

Italian detective who handled the Flavio case and has identified Mrs. Delahay as Countess Flavio.

## Key lines

> That is very strange... Isn't the name of Flavio familiar to you at all? It is not a common name.

Lance finds it odd that Mrs. Delahay hasn't heard of the famous Flavio trial, given its notoriety.

_Lance probes Mrs. Delahay's knowledge of the Flavio case._

> I have not told you quite the truth... the name of Flavio reminds me of one of the most unhappy experiences in my existence.

Mrs. Delahay admits she lied and reveals that the Flavio name is tied to a painful period in her life.

_Mrs. Delahay begins to confess her past._

> They told me my sister was dead... I had to take their word for it.

Mrs. Delahay believed her parents' claim that her sister had died.

_Mrs. Delahay explains her belief in her sister's death._

> Your sister was held up to execration as a fiend in human form... they seemed to think that your sister was not altogether sane.

Lance tells Mrs. Delahay that the public viewed her sister as a monstrous, possibly insane murderer.

_Lance describes the public perception of Carlotta Flavio._

> I am not the Countess Flavio. If necessary, when the time comes, I can prove this in a manner which would set even that Italian policeman's suspicions at rest.

Mrs. Delahay insists she is not Countess Flavio and claims she can prove it.

_Mrs. Delahay denies being Carlotta Flavio._

> You used to have Carlotta, not Maria, on the envelopes I brought up to you.

The chambermaid recalls that the guest used the name Carlotta, not Maria.

_The chambermaid's memory suggests Carlotta may be alive._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/xvii-looking-backwards
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_midnight_guest_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters