The Secret of the Old Clock · Chapter
II: A Chance Meeting explained
Nancy Drew learns from a luncheon with her father and Mr.
What happens
Nancy Drew learns from a luncheon with her father and Mr. Rolsted that Josiah Crowley may have drawn up a second will cutting out the Tophams. Despite lacking clues, she becomes determined to find the missing will. Later, while shopping, she overhears Ada and Isabel Topham rudely demanding service, confirming their entitlement.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and Detection
Nancy's investigation into the missing will begins with gathering clues from Mr. Rolsted and observing the Tophams.
Social Class and Snobbery
The Tophams' entitled behavior in the store and their expectation of special treatment highlight class-based arrogance.
Justice and Fairness
Nancy's desire to find the second will stems from a sense that the Tophams should not unjustly inherit Crowley's fortune.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Determined to find the second will after hearing Mr. Rolsted's disclosure; demonstrates capability and intuition.
- Carson Drew
Arranges the luncheon with Mr. Rolsted and skillfully steers the conversation to the Crowley will.
- Mr. Rolsted
Reveals that Josiah Crowley intended to make a second will disinheriting the Tophams, though he never saw the final document.
- Ada Topham
Seen in the department store with Isabel, complaining impatiently about the wait and asserting their importance.
- Isabel Topham
Present with Ada at the store, sharing her sister's rude demeanor.
- Hannah Gruen
Consulted by Nancy about household duties; the loyal maid who helps run the Drew home.
Key passages
“Oh, I guess we’ll get all of old Crowley’s fortune as soon as the lawyers stop squabbling.”
The saleswoman speculates that the Tophams will inherit Crowley's wealth once legal disputes are resolved.
This gossip sparks Nancy's interest in the Tophams' anxiety about a possible second will.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Nancy playfully applies the proverb to her quest for the missing will, vowing to find it.
Shows Nancy's determination and optimism despite having no clues.
“We’ve been standing here nearly ten minutes! ... Perhaps you don’t know who we are!”
Ada Topham complains impatiently to the floor manager, implying her family's importance should grant her priority.
Illustrates the Tophams' snobbish and entitled attitude.