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The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter

XXV: Tuesday Night at Chimneys explained

On Tuesday evening at Chimneys, Lord Caterham, Virginia, and Bundle discuss Anthony Cade's mysterious disappearance.

What happens

On Tuesday evening at Chimneys, Lord Caterham, Virginia, and Bundle discuss Anthony Cade's mysterious disappearance. French detective M. Lemoine arrives and reveals his suspicions that Anthony Cade is actually the notorious criminal King Victor, citing his mysterious past and a dropped paper linking to a Dover house. Virginia defends Anthony, suggesting Hiram Fish is more suspicious, but Lemoine reveals Fish is a Pinkerton detective. Later, Boris throws gravel at Virginia's window with a note from Anthony asking her to trust him and come to him.

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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.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the full scope of the false Lemoine’s scheme and Anthon…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Themes in this chapter

  • Identity and Disguise

    Anthony Cade is suspected of being the criminal King Victor, while Hiram Fish is revealed to be a Pinkerton detective in disguise.

  • Secrecy and Revelation

    Lemoine reveals his discoveries about Anthony and Fish; Virginia receives a secret note from Anthony.

  • Loyalty and Betrayal

    Virginia remains loyal to Anthony despite Lemoine's accusations; Boris acts as Anthony's messenger.

  • Crime and Detection

    Lemoine and Battle pursue the case of Prince Michael's murder and the hunt for King Victor.

Characters to notice

  • Virginia Revel

    Defends Anthony Cade against Lemoine's accusations, then receives a secret summons from Anthony via Boris.

  • Lord Caterham

    Hosts the evening gathering, expresses irritation at the constant disruptions and detectives.

  • Bundle

    Sits with Virginia and Lord Caterham, expresses hope that Anthony will outwit Lemoine.

  • M. Lemoine

    French detective who reveals his theory that Anthony Cade is King Victor and discloses Hiram Fish's true identity as a Pinkerton detective.

  • Mr. Hiram Fish

    Revealed by Lemoine to be a Pinkerton detective trailing King Victor; has disappeared from Chimneys.

  • Superintendent Battle

    Briefly appears in the hall; confirms to Virginia that Hiram Fish is an American detective.

  • Boris Anchoukoff

    Herzoslovakian who throws gravel at Virginia's window and delivers a note from Anthony Cade asking her to come to him.

  • Anthony Cade

    Absent from Chimneys; suspected by Lemoine of being King Victor; sends a secret note to Virginia via Boris.

Key passages

  • “I’ll find my own way back”

    Anthony said he would return on his own.

    Virginia recalls Anthony's parting words at Hyde Park Corner.

  • “You’ve not caught him yet”

    You haven't captured him yet.

    Virginia defiantly responds to Lemoine's claim that they will catch King Victor.

  • “I come from the Master. He has sent for you.”

    I am here on behalf of the Master; he requests your presence.

    Boris delivers Anthony's summons to Virginia.

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