The Secret Tomb · Chapter
XVII: The Secret Perishes explained
Dorothy's daring bluff with a rifle forces d'Estreicher to flee, but she cannot bring herself to shoot him.
What happens
Dorothy's daring bluff with a rifle forces d'Estreicher to flee, but she cannot bring herself to shoot him. Her three suitors—Webster, Errington, and Dario—pursue him in vain. Over the following days at Roche-Périac, the men are enchanted by Dorothy, each proposing marriage; she promises to choose on August 1st. They depart, and Dorothy uses the Beaugreval treasure to pay off the moneylender Voirin at Hillocks Manor, saving the estate for Raoul.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Courage
Dorothy's bluff against d'Estreicher and her refusal to kill him demonstrate both daring and moral restraint.
Treasure and Legacy
The Beaugreval treasure is used to save the family estate, fulfilling the legacy while the diamonds remain hidden.
Identity and Disguise
Dorothy's dual nature as princess and circus manager fascinates her suitors, blending roles of nobility and showmanship.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
Confronts d'Estreicher with a bluff, spares his life, charms her suitors, and pays off the moneylender to save Hillocks Manor.
- D'Estreicher
Outwitted by Dorothy's bluff, he escapes but vows to return for the diamonds and for her.
- Archibald Webster
One of Dorothy's suitors; pursues d'Estreicher and later offers to help with the moneylender.
- George Errington
Another suitor; speaks of his mother and joins the pursuit of d'Estreicher.
- Marco Dario
Third suitor; proposes marriage and later remarks on Dorothy's unique ability to find treasure.
- Raoul Davernoie
Present at Hillocks Manor when the moneylender threatens foreclosure; saved by Dorothy's payment.
- Count Octave de Chagny
Offers to arrange payment for Raoul but is overruled by Dorothy's intervention.
- Monsieur Voirin
The moneylender demanding payment at Hillocks Manor; forced to leave by Dorothy.
Key passages
“Sold! It's those brats and the rifle is nothing but old iron! My God, you have a nerve!”
D'Estreicher realizes Dorothy's bluff, calling her audacious but acknowledging her nerve.
Highlights Dorothy's clever deception and d'Estreicher's grudging respect.
“I would rather have my tongue torn out and be roasted over a slow fire than divulge the secret. They're mine. I'll take them when I please.”
D'Estreicher vows never to reveal the diamonds' location, asserting his claim.
Emphasizes the theme of treasure and legacy and d'Estreicher's stubbornness.
“The diamonds they desired was she, Dorothy. Their ancestor Beaugreval could not have foreseen for them a more magnificent treasure.”
The suitors come to see Dorothy herself as the true treasure, surpassing the diamonds.
Shifts focus from material wealth to romantic and personal value.