The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
XV: The French Stranger explained
Virginia and Anthony walk to the lake, discussing the disposal of the body and the murder investigation.
What happens
Virginia and Anthony walk to the lake, discussing the disposal of the body and the murder investigation. Anthony reveals that Count Stanislaus was actually Prince Michael Obolovitch in disguise, and suggests that the murdered man may have been an impostor. He asks Virginia to view the body to confirm. Later, Anthony encounters Baron Lolopretjzyl, who explains that Prince Nicholas stole the memoirs on the Baron's orders. Anthony warns he still intends to publish the memoirs. He then discovers Hiram Fish hiding in a hollow yew hedge. Virginia and Anthony discuss the mysterious 'other Virginia Revel' who wrote the blackmail letters. Anthony suspects Mademoiselle Brun, who occupies a room overlooking the Council Chamber, and notes the arrival of Baron Lolopretjzyl and Herman Isaacstein.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Anthony reveals that Count Stanislaus was Prince Michael in disguise, and suggests the murdered man may have been an impostor. The Baron explains that Prince Nicholas impersonated Anthony to steal the memoirs.
Secrecy and Revelation
Anthony and Virginia discuss the mysterious 'other Virginia Revel' who wrote the blackmail letters. Anthony suspects Mademoiselle Brun and begins to uncover hidden connections.
Political Intrigue and Diplomacy
The stolen memoirs, the involvement of Baron Lolopretjzyl and Herman Isaacstein, and the murder of Prince Michael all point to high-stakes political maneuvering.
Characters to notice
- Virginia Revel
Walks with Anthony to the lake, discusses the body disposal and the murder. Reveals she knew Prince Michael in Herzoslovakia and rejected his morganatic marriage proposal. Agrees to view the body to identify if the murdered man is Michael.
- Anthony Cade
Describes his disposal of the body to Virginia. Suspects the murdered man may be an impostor. Confronts Baron Lolopretjzyl about the stolen memoirs and warns he will still publish them. Discovers Hiram Fish hiding in the yew hedge. Questions Virginia about the 'other Virginia Revel' and suspects Mademoiselle Brun.
- Baron Lolopretjzyl
Confronts Anthony on the terrace, reveals that Prince Nicholas stole the memoirs on his orders and that the prince likely burned them. Expresses grief over the murder of his master.
- Mr. Hiram Fish
Discovered by Anthony reclining in a basket chair inside a hollow yew hedge, smoking a cigar and apparently asleep.
- Bundle
Joins Virginia and Anthony on the lake. Identifies Mademoiselle Brun's room as the second from the end over the Council Chamber. Notes the arrival of Baron Lolopretjzyl and Herman Isaacstein.
- Lord Caterham
Strolls with Bundle. Virginia takes his arm to ask him to show her the body.
- Mademoiselle Brun
Identified by Bundle as occupying the second room from the end over the Council Chamber. Anthony expresses suspicion about her.
- Herman Isaacstein
Arrives at Chimneys with Baron Lolopretjzyl. Anthony observes him on the terrace lamenting the murder.
Key passages
“What have you done with the body? How awful it sounds, doesn't it! I never dreamt that I should be so steeped in crime.”
Virginia asks Anthony about the disposal of the corpse, expressing her surprise at being involved in criminal activity.
Virginia's reaction to her newfound involvement in crime.
“Count Stanislaus was the incognito of Prince Michael of Herzoslovakia.”
Anthony reveals that the murdered Count was actually Prince Michael traveling under a false name.
Key revelation about the victim's true identity.
“I am beginning to disbelieve profoundly in this other Virginia Revel.”
Anthony expresses doubt that another woman named Virginia Revel exists, suggesting the name was used deliberately.
Anthony's suspicion about the blackmail letters.
