The Man Who Knew · Chapter
IX: Frank Merrill at the Altar explained
Frank Merrill obtains a special license and prepares to marry May Nuttall, who has suddenly agreed to the wedding.
What happens
Frank Merrill obtains a special license and prepares to marry May Nuttall, who has suddenly agreed to the wedding. However, Jasper Cole intercepts May at her hotel, reveals he holds John Minute's power of attorney, and threatens to forbid the marriage. May sends a telegram canceling the wedding, leaving Frank waiting at the church. Meanwhile, Rex Holland discusses a suspicious commission with his chauffeur, Feltham, who fears he is implicated in a bank forgery. Frank returns to the bank to find John Minute waiting for him.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the critical reversal that Frank and Saul Arthur Man…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Manipulation
May's sudden decision to marry Frank is driven by a desire to make up for others' accusations, while Jasper manipulates the situation using legal power to prevent the wedding.
- Secrecy and Knowledge
Rex Holland's secret commission to his chauffeur and the hidden knowledge about the bank forgery create an atmosphere of concealed truths.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Frank appears happy and confident but is ultimately thwarted; Jasper appears friendly but acts as an obstacle; the wedding seems certain but is abruptly canceled.
Characters to notice
- Frank Merrill
Obtains a special license and prepares to marry May Nuttall, but is left waiting at the church after she cancels the wedding.
- May Nuttall
Agrees to marry Frank Merrill but is intercepted by Jasper Cole, who threatens to forbid the marriage; she sends a telegram canceling the wedding.
- Jasper Cole
Intercepts May at the hotel, reveals he holds John Minute's power of attorney, and threatens to forbid the marriage; he also sends a telegram to Frank.
- Rex Holland
Discusses a suspicious commission with his chauffeur Feltham, who fears he is implicated in a bank forgery.
- John Minute
Sends for Frank Merrill at the bank after the canceled wedding.
- Mr. Brandon
Weary from the forgery audit, he allows Frank to leave for the afternoon and later informs Frank that his uncle wishes to see him.
Key passages
“I shall want you to let me go out this afternoon for an hour.”
Frank asks his boss for the afternoon off.
Frank is preparing for his wedding.
“The wedding cannot take place.”
The marriage is called off.
Unsigned telegram received by Frank at the church.
“I have Mr. Minute’s power of attorney to act for him, and Mr. Minute happens to be your legal guardian.”
Jasper claims legal authority to prevent May's marriage.
Jasper uses legal power to stop the wedding.
