Jack Favell's Blackmail Attempt

Follows Jack Favell's attempt to blackmail Maxim after the inquest, using Rebecca's note and the threat of exposure, and its ultimate failure.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Favell's First Visit

The Unexpected Guest The Hidden Car While Maxim was away, the narrator saw a car hidden behind the rhododendrons. She later found Favell in the morning-room with Mrs Danvers. The Familiar Stranger Favell was brash and familiar. He called Maxim "Max" and joked about the bride. The narrator felt uncomfortable. He asked her not to tell Maxim about his visit. The Suspicion The narrator suspected something was wrong. Favell's manner was too casual. She wondered about his relationship with Rebecca.

Favell at the Inquest

The Observer The Presence Favell sat at the back of the courtroom with Mrs Danvers. He listened intently to the evidence. When the boat-builder testified about the holes, Favell smiled. The Verdict After the verdict of suicide, Favell was furious. He believed Maxim had murdered Rebecca. He decided to act. The Plan He had Rebecca's note, which proved she had not intended to die. He planned to use it to blackmail Maxim.

The Blackmail Confrontation

The Demand The Arrival Favell came to Manderley, drunk and aggressive. He demanded money in exchange for silence. The narrator faced him, but Maxim soon joined. The Note Favell produced Rebecca's note, which asked him to come to the cottage that night. He claimed this proved she did not commit suicide. Colonel Julyan Called Maxim called Colonel Julyan, who arrived quickly. Favell's accusations were met with skepticism. The magistrate saw through the blackmail.

The Collapse of the Blackmail

The Revelation The Journey Favell followed Maxim and Colonel Julyan to Doctor Baker's house. He hoped to find evidence against Maxim. The Doctor's News Doctor Baker revealed that Rebecca had terminal cancer. She had known she was dying. This explained her note—she wanted to tell Favell the news. The Defeat Favell's case collapsed. He had no leverage. Colonel Julyan warned him to stay away from Kerrith. Favell left, defeated and humiliated.

Favell's Final Laugh

The Parting Shot The Wave As Maxim and the narrator drove away, Favell stood on the pavement, laughing and waving. He had lost, but he wanted them to know he was not finished. The Threat He shouted that the law could still get Maxim. But his threat was empty. He had no evidence. The End Favell disappeared from their lives. He was a minor villain, defeated by the truth. The narrator felt no fear of him anymore.

Day Maxim went to London

Day of the inquest

Evening after the inquest

Following day, visit to Doctor Baker

After the visit to Doctor Baker