Chapter 7: The Consequences of Finance, and Chapter 8: The Passions of Art Summary

The next day Mr. Hopkins sees a story in the newspaper about Major Marchbanks' death, and how he is implicated. He realizes that Mrs. Holland will make sure he hangs for a murder he did not commit if he does not obey her and kill Sally. He goes to Mrs. Rees' house and speaks to her maid Ellen, who has always disliked Sally. He pretends to be a policeman investigating some letters stolen from an important family. He explains that he suspects Sally and needs access to her room that night. Ellen agrees to help him.

Later that night Ellen lets Mr. Hopkins in and he goes up to Sally's room. He sees the papers lying on the floor, as well as Sally's...