Respectability and Hypocrisy

Mallalieu and Cotherstone are outwardly prosperous, respected civic leaders (Mayor, Borough Treasurer), yet they are criminals living a lie, demonstrating the gap between public reputation and private corruption.

Mallalieu and Cotherstone are outwardly respected figures—Mayor and Borough Treasurer—but hide a past conviction for fraud.

The contrast between the men's current respected public roles and their criminal past is a key theme.

Mallalieu, as Mayor, uses his position to direct police and suppress truth, prioritizing reputation and self-interest over morality.

Cotherstone's primary concern is to protect Lettie's marriage prospects by hiding his past, showing the priority of outward respectability over truth.