The Melody of Death · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Melody of Death by Edgar Wallace.

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Chapter 1
The Amateur Safe Smasher
On the night of May 27th, 1925, diamond merchant Mr. Gilderheim leaves his office after securing £60,000 worth of diamonds in his safe. Two burglars, George Wallis and Callidino, break in and begin burning open the safe. They are unexpectedly joined by a masked stranger who has observed their preparations and follows them inside. The stranger insists he wants only to learn the art of safe-cracking, not to share the loot. After watching them open the safe, he departs silently, leaving the burglars to escape undetected.
Chapter 2
Sunstar's Derby
At the Derby Day races, Gilbert Standerton is lost in thought, observing the crowd and spotting the thief George Wallis. His friend Leslie Frankfort chides him for his gloomy demeanor. After a storm breaks, they drive back to London, and Gilbert reveals that his uncle has disinherited him in favor of the Battersea Dogs' Home, leaving him with only a thousand pounds. He has not told his fiancée Edith or her mother, Mrs. Cathcart, about his changed prospects.
Chapter 3
III: Gilbert Leaves Hurriedly
Gilbert, troubled by doubts about Mrs. Cathcart's motives and his own financial situation, seeks a private interview with her before dinner. After a tense conversation, he abruptly decides to leave the party, asking Edith to cover for him.
Chapter 4
The "Melody in F"
On his wedding day, Gilbert Standerton is visited by his best man Leslie Frankfort, who discusses Gilbert's financial situation and his uncle's wedding gift of £100. Gilbert reveals his unease about the marriage and his financial insecurity, as his income is only a life interest. After a dreamlike wedding ceremony, Gilbert and Edith travel to their new home in St. John's Wood. That evening, Edith confesses she does not love him and married him for his money, revealing the painful truth that has been hanging over their relationship.
Chapter 5
The Man Who Desired Wealth
Gilbert Standerton defends his marriage to Edith against her mother Mrs. Cathcart's furious objections after she learns of his disinheritance. Meanwhile, a sophisticated safe robbery at Warrell & Bird's office results in the theft of a diamond necklace, with Leslie Frankfort revealing he had mentioned the jewels to Gilbert Standerton.

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The Amateur Safe Smasher

Sunstar's Derby

III: Gilbert Leaves Hurriedly

The "Melody in F"

The Man Who Desired Wealth