Theodore Marese

Violet Waldron

Theodore Marese is another primary romantic interest of Violet, competing for her attention alongside Aymer.

Aymer Malet

Aymer and Theodore are direct romantic rivals for Violet, leading to frequent conflict.

Fulk Lechester

Fulk and Theodore are likely brothers or close male relatives, possibly both sons of Lady Lechester.

Arthur Sibbold Waldron

Arthur opposes Theodore's romantic pursuit of Violet, viewing him as an unsuitable match.

Mr. Broughton

Mr. Broughton and Theodore are adversaries, possibly over control of Violet's inheritance or choices.

Aymer Malet

Aymer and Theodore are direct romantic rivals for Violet, leading to frequent conflict.

Fulk Lechester

Fulk and Theodore are likely brothers or close male relatives, possibly both sons of Lady Lechester.

Arthur Sibbold Waldron

Arthur opposes Theodore's romantic pursuit of Violet, viewing him as an unsuitable match.

Violet Waldron

Theodore Marese is another primary romantic interest of Violet, competing for her attention alongside Aymer.

Aymer Malet

Aymer and Theodore are direct romantic rivals for Violet, leading to frequent conflict.

Violet Waldron

Theodore Marese is another primary romantic interest of Violet, competing for her attention alongside Aymer.

Mr. Broughton

Mr. Broughton and Theodore are adversaries, possibly over control of Violet's inheritance or choices.

Chapter X

Aurelian's son, now about thirty, who accompanies John in extravagance and later in scheming; his attachment to John is partly self-interested.

The Tangled Web of Inheritance

Marese's confidant and co-conspirator in planning to secure the inheritance.

XII

Planning with Marese as the grand family council approaches.

XIII

Co-conspirator with Marese; provides scientific knowledge and manuscript notes on destructive substances.

XIV

Devises the mechanical and chemical details of the gas-based destruction plan, experimenting with acids and compressed gas.

XV

Constructs the infernal machine and prepares deadly vapour; discovers the threat of Arthur Sibbold's heirs; plans to use Odo Lechester.

The Ship of the Dead

Cousin of Marese Baskette who performed personal service in the rescue and insists on salvage rights.

XIII

The physician and conspirator who boards the Lucca, directs the recovery, and later removes the poison device; he is the designer of the plot.

II

Scheming advisor; devises the plan for Marese to marry Lady Lechester, hinting at 'accidents' that could increase her property.

VIII

Acts as Marese's agent, visits The Towers, and lures Aymer to Stirmingham with a secretarial post.

The Approaching Nuptials

Stationed at Stirmingham to watch over Aymer and Violet, acting as a stern keeper.

X

Revealed as the cousin and confidant of Marese Baskette, responsible for drugging and imprisoning Aymer.

The Hole in the Wall

Revealed as the mastermind behind Odo's instructions to kill Jason Waldron.

Chapter XII

Theodore is killed in the collapse of Sternhold Hall, found dead with a wound on his forehead. His death is reported in the newspaper.

XIII

Marese sends him a telegram, but Theodore has already been killed the night before at Sternhold Hall.

XIV

Attempts to claim Aymer and Fulk as escaped lunatics but is rebuffed by the Bench; his position becomes awkward.