# XV: Anthony’s Busy Day explained — The Rasp

> Chapter companion for The Rasp by Philip MacDonald.

## What happens

Anthony Gethryn visits Deacon in prison, encounters Lucia Lemesurier and Dora Masterson, conducts interviews with Belford, Mabel Smith, Elsie Syme, and Mr. Pellett, meets Madam Vander at the Regency Theatre, and spends the evening writing and typing a report.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Role of the Press

The chapter describes how the case has seized public imagination and divided public opinion, with reporters eager for news.

### Secrecy and Blackmail

Anthony's interviews with Belford, Mabel Smith, Elsie Syme, and Mr. Pellett involve discreet inquiries and potential blackmail.

### Love and Romantic Tension

Anthony's strained encounter with Lucia Lemesurier reveals unresolved romantic feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Anthony Gethryn

Visits Deacon in prison, conducts interviews, meets Madam Vander, and writes a report.

### Mr. Deacon

Prisoner awaiting transfer; discusses legal arrangements with Anthony.

### Lucia Lemesurier

Seen leaving the police station with her sister; exchanges a cold bow with Anthony.

### Miss Dora Masterson

Speaks with Anthony outside the police station; later helps him identify a book.

### Mr. Hastings

Present at The Owl's office during Anthony's meeting with Mr. Pellett.

### Madam Vander

Meets Anthony at the Regency Theatre; discusses John Hoode.

## Key lines

> He covered the distance to the village in a time creditable for so hot a day.

Despite the heat, he reached the village quickly.

_Shows Anthony's urgency and physical fitness._

> It was so like, so very like, the books the public had read yesterday, were reading today, and would read tomorrow and tomorrow.

The case mirrored the popular crime novels of the time.

_Highlights the media's role in shaping public perception._

> He thought of her as he had seen her that morning; as he had seen her that first time; as she had sat in her drawing-room that night—the night he had made her tell him all about it.

He recalled Lucia at various moments, especially the evening she confided in him.

_Reveals Anthony's lingering feelings for Lucia._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/xv-anthony-s-busy-day
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters