# XXIX: Mr. Calton’s Curiosity Is Satisfied explained — The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume.

## What happens

Brian Fitzgerald, tormented by the revelation that Mark Frettlby is the murderer of Oliver Whyte, confides in Duncan Calton. He discloses that Rosanna Moore was Frettlby's lawful wife, making Madge illegitimate and Sal Rawlins the rightful heir. Calton learns that Frettlby killed Whyte to retrieve the marriage certificate and conceal his secret. The chapter ends with a telegram delivering shocking news, which Calton declares to be the judgment of God.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

The chapter unravels the long-held secret of Mark Frettlby's marriage to Rosanna Moore and his murder of Whyte to conceal it.

### The Past and Its Consequences

The past actions of Mark Frettlby—his secret marriage and murder—inevitably catch up with him, affecting Madge and Sal.

### Identity and Heredity

The revelation that Madge is illegitimate and Sal is the true heir underscores the theme of identity tied to birth and lineage.

## Character check-ins

### Brian Fitzgerald

Tormented by the secret of Mark Frettlby's guilt; reveals the truth about Rosanna Moore's marriage to Calton.

### Duncan Calton

Satisfies his curiosity as Brian reveals the full truth; learns that Frettlby murdered Whyte and that Madge is illegitimate.

### Mark Frettlby

Revealed to have been secretly married to Rosanna Moore and to have murdered Oliver Whyte to retrieve the marriage certificate.

### Madge Frettlby

Discussed as the illegitimate daughter of Mark Frettlby, whose position is now threatened by the revelation.

### Sal Rawlins

Identified as the true legitimate heir of Mark Frettlby, being the daughter of Rosanna Moore.

### Roger Moreland

His visit to Mark Frettlby is recalled as the catalyst for Brian's suspicions.

## Key lines

> The net is closing round him

The truth is catching up to Mark Frettlby.

_Brian reflects on the inevitable exposure of Frettlby's guilt._

> It is the judgment of God!

This is divine punishment.

_Calton's reaction to the telegram's news, implying a moral reckoning._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se/chapters/xxix-mr-calton-s-curiosity-is-satisfied
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se/chapters