# The Reading of the Will explained — The Secret House > Chapter companion for The Secret House by Edgar Wallace. ## What happens Count Poltavo reflects on his rise in London society and his influence over Doris Gray. Frank Doughton confronts Poltavo about a letter from the late Mr. Farrington. At the reading of the will, Farrington's surprising bequests are revealed: he wishes Doris to marry Frank Doughton and withholds her fortune until that marriage, while leaving small sums to Frank and T. B. Smith. Poltavo's rage and suspicion are evident, and he later speaks privately with T. B. Smith at Scotland Yard, hinting at secrets about Farrington but postponing full disclosure. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Manipulation Farrington's will attempts to control Doris's marriage choice, revealing manipulation even after death; Poltavo's interest in Doris is both romantic and strategic. ### Class and Social Hierarchy Poltavo's rise from a broken adventurer to a trusted adviser in high society highlights class mobility and the importance of social connections. ### Deception and Secrecy Poltavo's hidden motives and Farrington's secret financial manipulations are central; the will itself contains surprising conditions that reveal hidden plans. ## Character check-ins ### Count Poltavo Reflects on his social ascent and control over Doris Gray; confronts Frank Doughton; reacts with rage and suspicion to Farrington's will; later speaks with T. B. Smith at Scotland Yard. ### Frank Doughton Confronts Poltavo about a letter from Farrington; is named as the intended husband for Doris in the will. ### T. B. Smith Attends the will reading; observes the reactions of Poltavo and others; later escorts Poltavo to Scotland Yard for a private conversation. ### Doris Gray Is the subject of Farrington's will, which conditions her inheritance on marrying Frank Doughton. ### Mr. Gregory Farrington Deceased; his will is read, revealing his wishes for Doris's marriage and bequests to Frank and T. B. Smith. ## Key lines > Count Poltavo, a busy man of affairs in these days, walked up the stairs of the big block of flats in which he had his modest dwelling with a little smile upon his lips and a sense of cheer in his heart. Count Poltavo, now a man of importance, climbed the stairs to his small apartment, smiling and feeling optimistic. _Establishes Poltavo's current mood and social standing._ > I can give you exactly a quarter of an hour,” he said, looking at his watch; “at the end of that period I must leave for Brakely Square. You understand there is to be a reading of the will of our departed friend Poltavo tells Frank he has only fifteen minutes before he must go to Brakely Square for the reading of Farrington's will. _Sets the scene for the will reading and Poltavo's busy schedule._ > The treacherous dog!” he hissed, “to do this—to me. But it shall not be, it shall not be, I tell you; this woman is more to me than you can imagine. Poltavo angrily calls Farrington a traitor for the will's conditions, vowing to prevent them because of his deep feelings for Doris. _Reveals Poltavo's intense emotional reaction to the will._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_house_se/chapters/x - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_house_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_house_se/chapters