The Secret of the Old Clock · Chapter
The Coup de Grâce explained
The second will of Josiah Crowley is read at the Drew home, revealing that the Horner sisters and Abigail Rowen receive substantial inheritances while the Tophams are cut off entirely.
What happens
The second will of Josiah Crowley is read at the Drew home, revealing that the Horner sisters and Abigail Rowen receive substantial inheritances while the Tophams are cut off entirely. The Tophams react with fury and threaten to contest the will, but their own lawyer admits it is valid. The relatives express gratitude to Nancy, and the Horner sisters leave with the Crowley clock, hinting at a future reward for Nancy.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Fairness
The reading of the second will corrects the earlier injustice, rewarding those who were kind to Josiah Crowley and cutting off the manipulative Tophams.
Greed vs. Generosity
The Tophams' greed is contrasted with the Horner sisters' humility and gratitude; the will itself rewards generosity and punishes exploitation.
Family and Loyalty
The will favors loyal friends and neighbors over blood relatives who mistreated Crowley, redefining the meaning of family through actions rather than relation.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Excitedly awaits the reading of the will; is praised by the relatives for her role in finding the will and capturing the robbers; hints she will ask for a specific reward.
- Carson Drew
Reads the will aloud, advises the relatives, and agrees to act as their lawyer; comments on the Tophams' likely financial desperation.
- Grace Horner
Receives $75,000 from the will; expresses gratitude to Nancy and suggests Mr. Drew as administrator.
- Allie Horner
Receives $75,000 from the will; is overwhelmed with joy; leaves with the Crowley clock and hints at a reward for Nancy.
- Richard Topham
Looks pale and disbelieving upon learning he is cut off; admits he needs the money.
- Ada Topham
Angrily accuses Nancy of conspiracy and questions the will's validity; storms out with the family.
Key passages
“Oh, father, it’s nearly two o’clock now. The relatives should be coming in a few minutes! I’m so excited!”
Nancy eagerly tells her father that it's almost time for the relatives to arrive.
Nancy's anticipation for the will reading is palpable.
“I believe you’re more thrilled than if you were inheriting the fortune yourself.”
Carson Drew teases Nancy that she seems more excited than the actual heirs.
Highlights Nancy's selfless enthusiasm for justice.
“We’ll break the will!”
Mrs. Topham declares she will challenge the will in court.
Shows the Tophams' determination to fight the outcome.
“Well, we administered the coup de grâce to the Tophams all right.”
Carson Drew remarks that they have delivered the final blow to the Tophams' hopes.
The chapter title is echoed in this line, signifying the decisive end.