Mrs. Delahay

Walter Lance

Mrs. Delahay is a confidante and ally to Walter Lance, offering support and information.

Lord Ravenspur

Lord Ravenspur and Mrs. Delahay have a polite but wary acquaintance, often at odds over household matters.

The Countess

Mrs. Delahay and The Countess are in a tense rivalry, competing for status or influence in the household.

Inspector Dallas

Inspector Dallas questions or collaborates with Mrs. Delahay as part of his investigation.

Walter Lance

Mrs. Delahay is a confidante and ally to Walter Lance, offering support and information.

Lord Ravenspur

Lord Ravenspur and Mrs. Delahay have a polite but wary acquaintance, often at odds over household matters.

Inspector Dallas

Inspector Dallas questions or collaborates with Mrs. Delahay as part of his investigation.

The Countess

Mrs. Delahay and The Countess are in a tense rivalry, competing for status or influence in the household.

The Countess

Mrs. Delahay and The Countess are in a tense rivalry, competing for status or influence in the household.

Walter Lance

Mrs. Delahay is a confidante and ally to Walter Lance, offering support and information.

Lord Ravenspur

Lord Ravenspur and Mrs. Delahay have a polite but wary acquaintance, often at odds over household matters.

I: At Whose Hand?

The veiled widow who brings news of her husband's murder to Lord Ravenspur; she is in deep mourning and struggling to maintain composure.

No. 1 Fitzjohn Square

In a state of shock, she is given a sedative by a doctor at the Grand Hotel.

III: The Mark of the Beast

Mentioned as being in a fragile state, under medical care and unable to provide information.

VIII: The Mystery Deepens

Briefly appears at Valdo's dressing room door, startling Walter with her unexpected presence at the theatre.

IX: The Confidential Agent

Gives evidence at the inquest, appearing pale and automaton-like; claims she found her husband's body and knows nothing more.

X: Ropes of Sand

Accused by witness Stevens of being with her husband at the time of the murder; she denies it but appears dazed and unresponsive.

The Express Letter

Refuses to see Ravenspur; her absence from the hotel on the night of the murder is confirmed.

XII: A Speaking Likeness

Discussed as having told deliberate lies about her actions on the night of the murder; refuses to see Lord Ravenspur.

XV: Dallas Makes a Discovery

Refuses to see Ravenspur, maintains her innocence regarding the murder, but declines to explain her whereabouts, citing pressing reasons for silence.

XVI: Strong Measures

Denies knowing Berti or the Flavio case; remains cold and impassive, echoing the Countess's behavior.

XVII: Looking Backwards

Reveals her identity as Maria Descarti, her family feud with the Flavios, and her belief that her sister Carlotta is dead; later suspects her sister may be alive.

After Many Years

Deceased husband of Maria; his murder is the central event discussed, and his wife is suspected of being responsible.

Carlotta's Story

Listens to the Countess's story and expresses shock at the revelation of a child.

Valdo in a New Light

Accompanies the Countess to confront Silva; learns of the Countess's meeting with her husband on the night of the murder.

XXI: To Be in Time

Listens to Silva's story, follows him to Ravenspur's house, and warns Walter Lance of danger.

The Next Move

Denies being Carlotta Flavio, admits her maiden name is Descarti, and explains her sister Carlotta was the Countess.

XXIV: A Blood Relation

Arrives in distress to warn Ravenspur about Silva; reveals her connection to Vera and her sister.

Bred in the Bone

Mentioned in connection with the murder of her husband; Walter initially mistakes her for the woman with Silva.

XXVI: A Faithful Servant

Is informed of the incident by Walter and leaves the house in a cab.

The Story of a Crime

Listens to Walter's story, breaks down in tears, and agrees to go to Cannon Green to see her sister.

Count Flavio's Diary

Present in the drawing-room with the Countess and Vera; her husband's murderer is revealed.

A Woman's Heart

Referred to as Maria Descarti, the Countess's sister; her likeness to the Countess was used by Silva to create an alibi, and she later married Louis Delahay.

XLVII: The Passing of the Vengeance

Mentioned as recovering her health and strength.