The Story of Ivy · Chapter
XIII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Gretorex confides in Mr. Oram her fear that her son Roger is in danger due to his love for Ivy Lexton, though she insists he is innocent of Jervis's murder. Mr. Oram reluctantly agrees to help but doubts his expertise. Meanwhile, Mr. Oram meets Ivy, delivers a £2,000 cheque from Miles Rushworth, and arranges legal representation for her at the inquest. He is repelled by her appearance and manner, while Ivy feels uneasy and suspects his disapproval. The chapter also reveals that Scotland Yard suspects a 'beau' of Ivy's of the murder.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
Mrs. Gretorex insists on Roger's innocence while fearing his danger; Ivy hides her relief at the money and her unease with Mr. Oram.
Social Class and Appearance
Mr. Oram's old-fashioned disapproval of Ivy's makeup and nightlife contrasts with her need to maintain appearances as a respectable widow.
Love and Obsession
Roger's desperate love for Ivy is cited as the reason for his potential danger, and Ivy's flirtatious behavior is noted by Finch.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Gretorex
Confides in Mr. Oram about Roger's love for Ivy and her fear for his safety, pleading for his help.
- Mr. Oram
The family solicitor who reluctantly agrees to assist Roger Gretorex and later meets Ivy to deliver a cheque and arrange legal counsel.
- Ivy Lexton
Receives a £2,000 cheque from Mr. Oram, feels uneasy under his scrutiny, and is described as a 'lovely young fribble' by the solicitor.
- Roger Gretorex
Mentioned as being in love with Ivy and under suspicion for Jervis's murder; his mother insists on his innocence.
- Alfred Finch
Mr. Oram's head clerk who is keenly interested in the Lexton case and shares gossip about Ivy's nightclub activities and a suspected beau.
- Miles Rushworth
The client who arranged the £2,000 payment to Ivy and is a friend of the deceased Jervis Lexton.
Key passages
“I am absolutely certain, Mr. Oram, that Roger had nothing to do with Mr. Lexton’s death. On the other hand, it would be dishonest to conceal from you my conviction that he is in terrible danger.”
Mrs. Gretorex tells Mr. Oram she is sure Roger is innocent but fears he is in serious danger.
Mrs. Gretorex's plea to Mr. Oram, revealing her belief in Roger's innocence and her fear for his safety.
“I have a sum of money to place at your disposal. As a matter of fact, it is a considerable sum—two thousand pounds.”
Mr. Oram informs Ivy that he has a large sum of money, £2,000, to give her on behalf of Miles Rushworth.
Mr. Oram delivers the financial gift from Rushworth to Ivy.
“They do say, sir, that Scotland Yard as good as know already who poisoned Mr. Lexton. I think it quite probable that you will see the news of an arrest on the newspaper placards on your way to Duke of Kent Mansion.”
Finch tells Mr. Oram that Scotland Yard likely knows the poisoner and an arrest may be announced soon.
Finch's gossip about the investigation's progress.