# Heart of Fire explained — The Mystery of the Blue Train

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Rufus Van Aldin returns to the Savoy and meets his secretary, Major Knighton. He receives a letter from his daughter Ruth Kettering, which visibly upsets him. He reveals a priceless ruby necklace, including the famous 'Heart of Fire', intended as a gift for Ruth, and expresses his concern over her unhappy marriage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Power

Van Aldin's casual handling of a fortune in rubies and his ability to buy 'a good portion of the earth' for his daughter underscore his immense wealth and influence.

### Love and Marriage

Van Aldin's concern for Ruth's unhappiness in her marriage to Derek Kettering highlights the theme of marital discord and paternal love.

## Character check-ins

### Rufus Van Aldin

Returns to the Savoy, receives a troubling letter from his daughter, and shows Knighton the ruby necklace he plans to give her.

### Major Knighton

Van Aldin's secretary, sorting correspondence in the suite; he is shown the Heart of Fire rubies.

### Ruth Kettering

Mentioned as having telephoned and written to her father; her letter upsets Van Aldin.

## Key lines

> I can buy a good portion of the earth for Ruth, if it would be any use to her, but it isn't. I can hang these things round her neck and give her a moment or two's pleasure, maybe, but — When a woman is not happy in her home —

Van Aldin laments that his wealth cannot buy his daughter's happiness in her troubled marriage.

_Reveals Van Aldin's emotional vulnerability and the limits of material wealth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters/iii-heart-of-fire
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters