Sylvia Bailey

Madame Wolsky

Madame Wolsky acts as a worldly, somewhat cynical companion and confidante to Sylvia, offering advice and gossip about the social scene.

William Chester

Sylvia and William share a comfortable, trusting friendship, with William serving as a protective and sensible ally in the midst of social intrigue.

Monsieur Wachner

Monsieur Wachner is a sinister, manipulative figure who takes a predatory interest in Sylvia, using his influence to draw her into dangerous situations.

L'Ami Fritz

L'Ami Fritz is a jovial, loyal friend to Sylvia, providing comic relief and a sense of safety amidst the darker elements of the story.

Mrs. Meeks

Mrs. Meeks is a kind, motherly companion to Sylvia, offering practical support and a listening ear.

Duchesse

The Duchesse is a high-society figure who interacts with Sylvia in formal, aristocratic settings, showing a mix of condescension and curiosity.

The Englishman

Sylvia and The Englishman share a cordial, somewhat distant friendship, with him offering a sense of familiarity and comfort in a foreign setting.

George Bailey

George Bailey is Sylvia's husband, and their relationship is strained by distance and his apparent neglect, leaving Sylvia feeling isolated.

Monsieur Malfait

Monsieur Malfait is a local official or servant who interacts with Sylvia in a formal, duty-bound capacity.

Madame Wolsky

Madame Wolsky acts as a worldly, somewhat cynical companion and confidante to Sylvia, offering advice and gossip about the social scene.

Monsieur Wachner

Monsieur Wachner is a sinister, manipulative figure who takes a predatory interest in Sylvia, using his influence to draw her into dangerous situations.

Madame Wolsky

Madame Wolsky acts as a worldly, somewhat cynical companion and confidante to Sylvia, offering advice and gossip about the social scene.

The Chink in the Armour

Sylvia is becoming more comfortable in Lacville, enjoying the Count's attention and feeling a sense of freedom, yet remains vulnerable to the machinations of others.

I

Protagonist, a young widow who values her pearls as a symbol of freedom and is intrigued by the fortune-teller's card.

II

Visits Madame Cagliostra with her friend Anna. She is skeptical but becomes interested and uneasy as the fortune-teller makes specific predictions about her future, including a fair man and a necklace of light.

Chapter III

Decides to visit Lacville to find Anna Wolsky, despite warnings about the Casino.

IV

Feels oppressed by her first taste of gambling, observes Lacville, dislikes the Pension Malfait, and wins a small amount at baccarat before being questioned about her membership.

V

Settles into the Villa du Lac, reflects on her new life, and interacts with Count de Virieu.

VI

Wakes up in her new room, feels independent, writes letters, and receives a warning from the Count.

VII

Has luncheon with Anna Wolsky at the Pension Malfait, meets the Wachners, and goes for a drive with Madame Wachner, revealing details about her past.

VII

A vivacious and talkative woman who befriends Sylvia, takes her for a drive, and questions her about her past and gambling intentions.

VIII

Visits the Wachner villa and observes their frugal, unconventional lifestyle.

IX

Plays baccarat for the first time and wins £92, feeling both excited and bewildered by her success.

IX

Celebrates Sylvia's success and insists on limiting her husband's gambling to 100 francs a day.

Chapter X

Feels touched by Count Paul's concern for her gambling, but continues her daily play; experiences jealousy when he visits his sister in Paris.

Chapter X

Bright and jovial, flatters Sylvia, invites her and Anna to supper, and advises Sylvia to carry money in little bags.

XI

Torn between her growing feelings for the Count and her conscience about remaining at Lacville; accepts the invitation and the loan of a riding habit.

XII

Sylvia is confronted by Anna about her feelings for the Comte de Virieu. She defends him, but is visibly emotional and conflicted about her attachment.

XII

Madame Wachner excitedly brings Sylvia to see Anna Wolsky's bank at the baccarat table, and comments on the young men from Paris who are losing money.

XIII

Arrives in Paris to visit the Count's family, feeling as if she has entered a fairyland. She is innocent and unaware of the Count's internal conflict.

XIV

Anxious about Anna's disappearance, she seeks information and worries about her friend's safety.

XIV

Appears unexpectedly, claims Anna never arrived for supper, and advises Sylvia to keep the disappearance quiet.

XV

Deeply troubled and hurt by Anna Wolsky's sudden disappearance, feeling isolated and questioning her friendships.

XVI

Anxious about Anna's disappearance, takes initiative to involve the police, and feels uncomfortable during the investigation.

Chapter XVII

Distressed by Anna's disappearance, enjoys rides with the Count, receives a letter from Bill Chester, and defends the Wachners against the Count's suspicions.

Chapter XVII

Expresses sympathy and concern for Anna's silence, but the Count finds her and her husband sinister.

XVIII

Visits the Wachners' chalet, feels uneasy and discovers unsettling information about Anna Wolsky's last day.

XVIII

Absent, but her home and habits are described.

XIX

Caught by Chester while gambling at the baccarat table. She is embarrassed and flustered, but also shows a confident, familiar skill at the game.

XIX

Intervenes to introduce herself to Chester, providing a welcome diversion for Sylvia. She is friendly and speaks English well, though with dropped aitches.

Chapter XX

Tries to forget Count Paul and makes plans to lunch with Chester.

XXI

Enjoys a drive with Chester, but accidentally reveals she rides with the Comte de Virieu. She denies any intention of marrying the Count and is visibly upset by the confrontation.

XXII

Feels ill at ease with Bill Chester, misses the Casino, and is preoccupied with thoughts of Count Paul. Wins ninety pounds at baccarat and feels miserable about contributing to the Count's losses.

XXIII

Feels humiliated and hurt by Paul's actions, writes a note canceling their ride, and later experiences a painful parting with Paul.

XXV

Rescued from the Wachners; she is traumatized and finally speaks of Anna Wolsky's murder.