# Mr. Squercum Is Employed explained — The Way We Live Now

> Chapter companion for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Dolly Longestaffe, suspicious of Melmotte's dealings, hires the sharp attorney Mr. Squercum to investigate the Pickering property transaction. Squercum uncovers evidence that Dolly's signature on a letter authorizing the surrender of title deeds may have been forged, leading to rumors of forgery against Melmotte spreading from the City to the House of Commons.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Hypocrisy

The forged signature and rumors of forgery highlight the theme of deception, as Melmotte is suspected of fraudulent acquisition of the Pickering property.

### Speculation and Ruin

Melmotte's financial dealings, including mortgaging Pickering and other properties, reflect the speculative mania that threatens ruin.

### Family Obligation and Selfishness

Dolly's conflict with his father over the property and the forged signature underscores tensions between filial duty and self-interest.

## Character check-ins

### Dolly Longestaffe

Hires Mr. Squercum after suspecting Melmotte's dealings; insists he never signed the letter surrendering title deeds.

### Squercum

Sharp, unconventional attorney employed by Dolly; investigates the forged signature and spreads rumors of forgery against Melmotte.

### Adolphus Longestaffe

Father of Dolly; pressured by his son's investigation and writes a timid letter to Melmotte about the unpaid money.

### Augustus Melmotte

Subject of forgery rumors; accused of forging Dolly's signature to acquire the Pickering property.

### Mr. Bideawhile

Family lawyer for the Longestaffes; his office is the source of the disputed letter and is opposed to Squercum's methods.

## Key lines

> It is difficult to explain the exact nature of this rumour, as it was not thoroughly understood by those who propagated it. But it is certainly the case that the word forgery was whispered by more than one pair of lips.

The rumor was vague but persistent, with many people whispering that Melmotte had committed forgery.

_Highlights the spread of suspicion against Melmotte._

> Squercum was a thorn in the side of all the Bideawhiles. Mr. Slow had been gathered to his fathers, but of the Bideawhiles there were three in the business, a father and two sons, to whom Squercum was a pest and a mosquito, a running sore and a skeleton in the cupboard.

Squercum was a constant irritant to the Bideawhile firm, which saw him as a disruptive and unwelcome presence.

_Illustrates the professional rivalry between the traditional and the new breed of lawyers._

> He looked as unlike the normal Bideawhile of the profession as a man could be; and it must be owned, though an attorney, would hardly have been taken for a gentleman from his personal appearance.

Squercum's appearance was far from the typical gentlemanly lawyer, making him stand out as unrefined.

_Describes Squercum's unconventional and lower-class appearance._

## Links

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