Ivy Lexton

Roger Gretorex

Ivy and Roger are deeply entangled in a passionate but tumultuous romantic relationship, marked by intense attraction and conflict.

Miles Rushworth

Ivy and Miles share a romantic connection, with Miles often serving as a stabilizing yet rival suitor to Roger.

Nurse Bradfield

Nurse Bradfield is Ivy's caretaker and confidante, providing medical and emotional support in a professional capacity.

Enid Dent

Enid is Ivy's close friend and ally, often acting as a sounding board and supporter in Ivy's personal dramas.

Alfred Finch

Alfred Finch is a manipulative figure who exerts a controlling and obsessive influence over Ivy.

Dr. Berwick

Dr. Berwick is Ivy's physician, treating her with clinical detachment but genuine concern for her health.

Mr. Oram

Mr. Oram is Ivy's employer or legal advisor, handling her affairs with formal professionalism.

Inspector Orpington

Inspector Orpington investigates Ivy with suspicion, viewing her as a potential criminal or key witness in a case.

Lady Flora

Lady Flora is a high-society acquaintance of Ivy, interacting with her in social circles with polite but distant formality.

Sir Joseph Molloy

Sir Joseph Molloy is a wealthy patron or social contact of Ivy, their relationship based on mutual benefit and status.

Mrs. Huntley

Mrs. Huntley is likely a housekeeper or servant to Ivy, their dynamic defined by service and domestic duty.

Roger Gretorex

Ivy and Roger are deeply entangled in a passionate but tumultuous romantic relationship, marked by intense attraction and conflict.

Prologue

Described as beautiful, extravagant, and manipulative; she is accused of being a gold-digger and of frittering away her husband's capital.

I

Half-dressed, making up her face; financially desperate with only a pound and some silver; receives letters from Roger Gretorex and Rose Arundell; has visited Mrs. Thrawn and is skeptical of her warnings; plans to ask Roger for money.

II

The beautiful and manipulative wife, eager to escape poverty and drawn to Rushworth's wealth.

III

Lovely and manipulative, Ivy enjoys her role as a yachtswoman and schemes to win Rushworth's affection, feeling jealous of Bella Dale.

IV

Dines privately with Rushworth, responds to his passion, and tearfully protests his decision to leave.

V

Dines with Gretorex but is preoccupied with Rushworth; later poisons Jervis's drink.

VI

Anxious and excited about her husband's illness; visits Rushworth's office; resolves to stop meeting Gretorex at Ferry Place; sends a note to Dr. Berwick claiming Jervis is better.

VII

Ivy is the central figure, torn between her selfish desires and her husband's illness. She deliberately gives Jervis a dangerous dose, delays seeking help, and feels relief at his death.

Chapter VIII

Ivy is the newly widowed wife, struggling with shock and fear as she faces the reality of her husband's death and the impending postmortem. She displays self-deception and a childlike naivety about death and illness.

IX

Ivy sends an unsigned note and later calls Gretorex, warning him that the police suspect poison and that his name may be involved.

X

Orpington considers her possibly innocent; she admitted Gretorex's unwanted attentions.

XI

Mentioned as the subject of newspaper headlines and Roger's friend; her photograph appears in the evening paper.

XII

Terrified but cunning during Orpington's interrogation; she deliberately reveals Gretorex's love for her to shift suspicion. Later, Rushworth's telegram brings relief and renewed hope.

XIII

Receives a £2,000 cheque from Mr. Oram, feels uneasy under his scrutiny, and is described as a 'lovely young fribble' by the solicitor.

XIV

The young widow at the center of the scandal, receiving both public sympathy and secret cables from Miles Rushworth, while preparing to be the chief witness for the Crown.

XV

The chief witness for the Crown, she testifies about her relationship with Roger Gretorex, appearing fragile and sympathetic while carefully managing her answers.

XVI

The principal witness for the Crown, she breaks down during cross-examination when pressed about Gretorex's words of love, but recovers to watch the verdict with eager interest.

XVII

Discussed as possibly shielding a murderer; Finch believes she knows Roger is innocent and may marry a wealthy man soon.

XVIII

Awakens with relief after the trial, enjoys her newspaper photo, but is upset by mention of Gretorex; receives Rushworth's cable and burns it; manipulates Enid Dent with tears.

XIX

Mentioned in Mrs. Huntley's account; her behavior and letters are suspicious.

XX

Revealed through her letters as a hypocritical and manipulative woman; under suspicion for poisoning her husband.

XXI

Consumed by fear and self-pity as she awaits news of Roger Gretorex's execution; she faints upon learning of the reprieve.

XXII

The woman Rushworth loves; she is shocked to learn she will be arrested for Jervis's murder and is offered an escape plan.

Epilogue

Ivy experiences a brief moment of relief after Jervis's death, followed by despair over her lost life. She attempts to flee but dies after falling down the lift shaft.