The Return · Chapter
XXII explained
In a tense gathering at the Lawford home, Sheila reveals to Danton, Mrs.
What happens
In a tense gathering at the Lawford home, Sheila reveals to Danton, Mrs. Lovat, and Mr. Craik that her husband Arthur's changed face is identical to that of Nicholas de Sabathier, a man dead for over a century. Danton dismisses it as trickery but insists on hushing up the scandal by committing Lawford to an asylum. Ada, the maid, claims Dr. Ferguson has been haunting the house. Lawford, hiding nearby, listens in despair, feeling trapped in a farce. The group departs nervously, leaving the front door open.
Themes in this chapter
The Supernatural and Possession
Sheila's revelation of the portrait and the 'Voice' speaking from Lawford highlight the theme of demonic possession and supernatural influence.
Sanity and Madness
Danton's insistence on Lawford's insanity and the plan to commit him reflect the tension between rational explanations and the uncanny.
Isolation and Alienation
Lawford's hidden presence and his feeling of being trapped in a 'poor play' underscore his alienation from his own life and family.
Characters to notice
- Sheila
Reveals the portrait of Nicholas de Sabathier matches Arthur's changed face; insists on the supernatural explanation despite Danton's skepticism.
- Mr. Danton
Argues for a practical, harsh solution—committing Lawford to an asylum; dismisses the supernatural as trickery and calls for secrecy.
- Mrs. Lovat
Shows sympathy for Arthur but suggests the situation is like a dream; supports Sheila emotionally.
- Craik
Quietly observes the discussion; briefly investigates the basement after the door slams.
- Ada
Claims Dr. Ferguson is haunting the house; expresses fear and asks to leave.
- Arthur Lawford
Hides in the house, listening to the conversation; feels isolated and longs for the open air.
Key passages
“I have myself heard the Voice speak out of him—a high, hard, nasal voice. I’ve seen what Mr. Danton calls the ‘glassiness’ come into his face, and an expression so wild and so appallingly depraved, as it were, that I have had to hurry downstairs to hide myself from the thought.”
Sheila describes hearing a strange, harsh voice from Arthur and seeing his face become glassy and depraved, forcing her to flee in fear.
Highlights the supernatural possession theme and Sheila's terror.
“What will you say if I tell you that that man, Nicholas de Sabathier, has been in his grave for over a hundred years?”
Sheila reveals that the man whose face Arthur now bears died over a century ago.
Key revelation linking Lawford's transformation to the historical figure Sabathier.
“For my part, friend or no friend, I’d cut the—I’d cut him dead. But don’t fret, Mrs. Lawford, devil or no devil, he’s gone for good.”
Danton says he would disown Lawford entirely, but assures Sheila that Lawford is gone for good.
Shows Danton's ruthless pragmatism and the finality of Lawford's disappearance.