The Secret House · Chapter
VI explained
At the theatre, Lady Dinsmore hosts Count Poltavo and Mr.
What happens
At the theatre, Lady Dinsmore hosts Count Poltavo and Mr. Farrington in her box. Poltavo engages Doris Gray in conversation, learning about Dr. Fall and Gorth. During the second act, a shot is fired from the royal box. T. B. Smith, who has a warrant for Farrington's arrest, finds Farrington has vanished, leaving only a glove and a bloody handprint.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
Poltavo's hidden motives, Farrington's mysterious disappearance, and the secretive nature of the shooting.
Crime and Blackmail
The shooting, the warrant for Farrington's arrest for burglary and attempted murder, and the involvement of Gorth.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The social dynamics in the theatre box, with Lady Dinsmore, the Count, and the millionaire Farrington.
Characters to notice
- Count Poltavo
Arrives late to the theatre, converses with Lady Dinsmore and Doris Gray, and is present when the shot is fired.
- Mr. Gregory Farrington
Sits moodily in the box, is the target of the shot, and disappears after the incident.
- Doris Gray
Sits in the box, speaks with Poltavo about Dr. Fall and Gorth, and is distressed by Farrington's arrest warrant.
- Lady Dinsmore
Hosts the box, introduces Poltavo, and facilitates conversation between Poltavo and Doris.
- Frank Doughton
Present in the box, converses with Doris, and is tapped by Lady Dinsmore to change seats.
- T. B. Smith
Observes from the stalls, rushes to the royal box after the shot, and announces the warrant for Farrington's arrest.
Key passages
“At precisely ten o'clock, as the curtain came reefing slowly down upon the first act of The Strand Girl, Lady Dinsmore turned with outstretched hand to greet the first of the two men who had just entered the box.”
At exactly ten o'clock, as the first act of The Strand Girl ended, Lady Dinsmore welcomed the first of two men entering her box.
Sets the scene at the theatre.
“Count Poltavo had a way of looking at one gravely, with an air of concentrated attention, as if he were seeing through the words, into the very soul of the speaker.”
Count Poltavo had a serious, focused gaze that seemed to see beyond words into the speaker's soul.
Describes Poltavo's charismatic and perceptive demeanor.
“A white pencil of flame shot out from the royal box and a sharp crash of a pistol report.”
A flash of light and a gunshot came from the royal box.
Key event: the shooting during the second act.
“I have a warrant for his arrest.”
I have a legal order to arrest him.
T. B. Smith reveals the warrant for Farrington.