Tragedy at Ravensthorpe · Chapter
III: The Theft at the Masked Ball explained
At the masked ball, Sir Clinton Driffield, disguised as Prospero, reveals his identity to Joan Chacewater and gives her a diamond star as a birthday present.
What happens
At the masked ball, Sir Clinton Driffield, disguised as Prospero, reveals his identity to Joan Chacewater and gives her a diamond star as a birthday present. A pistol shot and darkness interrupt the festivities; a theft occurs in the museum. Sir Clinton injures his ankle while trying to apprehend a fleeing Pierrot-costumed suspect. Joan and Michael Clifton restore the lights, and Sir Clinton recounts the events, noting that the real criminals likely escaped.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The masked ball setting highlights disguise and mistaken identity, as characters conceal their true selves behind costumes and masks.
Crime and Investigation
The theft at the masked ball triggers an immediate investigation, with Sir Clinton examining evidence and questioning witnesses.
Characters to notice
- Sir Clinton Driffield
Disguised as Prospero at the masked ball; gives Joan a diamond star; investigates the theft and injures his ankle chasing the suspect.
- Joan Chacewater
Dressed as Ariel; receives a birthday present from Sir Clinton; helps restore order after the theft.
- Michael Clifton
Joan's fiancé; prevents panic in the dark ballroom and assists in turning the lights back on.
- Mold
The keeper on duty in the museum during the theft; provides an account of the incident to Sir Clinton.
Key passages
“I’m thankful I took my wings off... You’ve no notion how much you long to sit down when you know you daren’t do it for fear of crushing the frames of these things.”
Ariel expresses relief at removing her costume wings, explaining that the constant fear of damaging them made sitting impossible.
Joan, as Ariel, comments on the discomfort of her costume.
“I see a girl who likes to play at having her own way … and isn’t too scrupulous in her methods of getting it.”
Prospero claims to see a determined and somewhat manipulative young woman in his leaf-reading.
Sir Clinton, as Prospero, uses a fortune-telling trick to deduce Joan's identity.
“They’ve taken out the main switch... Get hold of some man at once and show him where it is. We want the lights as quick as possible.”
Sir Clinton instructs Joan to find someone to restore the lights after the power is cut.
Sir Clinton directs Joan during the emergency.