[Comprehensive Classics] Detective Mary

Mary took the newspaper in shock. She admitted that she felt a chill when she saw the headline, but by the end, she had completely calmed down.

The news was not published in any famous newspaper, but the content of the report provided real evidence: the reporter interviewed the secretary of the editor-in-chief of "Beach Magazine", Fred Hall.

The secretary not only disclosed Mary's identity, but also took out several private copies of the correspondence—it was the letters between Mary and the editor-in-chief Hall discussing the theme of "The King of Carnival", the time, handwriting, and content of the same serialization period The outline is exactly the same, and it can be said that Mary Bennet, a southern girl with no noble background and no famous name, is Philip Luther who dared to write about serial murders.

After reading the report, Mary's first thought was: Thank you for not spoiling the final issue of "The King of Carnival" ahead of time!

You must know that in the past few weeks, the focus of Mary's life has been on tracking down the Illuminati. After the release of the new issue of "Seaside Magazine", because of Barnum's "return to the world", it is like Mary and Hall As expected by the editor-in-chief, the number of readers who bought the magazine increased dramatically, and many people wanted to see what the story of "The King of Carnival" was like.

Seeing that the third issue of the series is about to come out, Mary is really relieved that she is stuck here and did not reveal the ending to the public in advance.

And Blackwood's purpose...

It was all too easy to ruin a woman's life in Victorian times.For a girl who is determined to marry, her reputation can be ruined; for a girl who is determined to pursue a career-even if there are no "career women" in the nineteenth century, it is for this reason that Mary has to rack her hands. The brain finds a way to complete an independent life on its own.

Blackwood's words in the altar describing Mary's writing may sound filthy, but he is not the author of the words. It is none other than a nineteenth-century literary theorist who said these words himself.

Those distinguished guests who attended the Blackwood Literary Salon, either received higher education, or possessed prominent identities, were decent, and elegantly behaved, but they were also such people who bluntly said that female writers could not touch the soul of literature.Mary remembered a review of Jane Austen’s literary theory that she had read before crossing over. Victorian theorists believed that her works were superficial and did not touch the foundation of art because “real art comes from instinct”—— That is the most original sexual desire.

In the nineteenth century, women were not worthy of sexual pleasure, and naturally they could not touch the throbbing of instinct, and could not feel the soul of art and literature.

From this point of view, Blackwood is simply quoting the critics.

Therefore, when the identity of Philip Luther was disclosed, it was discovered that the author who was taking a slanted sword and conducting double experiments in creative techniques and subject selection was just a southern girl, which was equivalent to directly depriving Mary of the literary depth of her works possible.

After reading the report, Mary could almost imagine how the literary critic whom she met that day, Mr. Bill Mayne, who always criticized Philip Luther, would taunt him—no wonder Philip Luther only focused on social hot spots The gimmicks have more than enough discussion, but not enough artistry.Since the author herself is only a woman, how can a woman understand art?

There were many famous female writers in Britain in the [-]th century. Even if there is no Jane Austen or Mrs. Gaskell in this fandom world, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte and George Eliot and other women writers do exist.This is still a great writer who has been famous forever. Mary thinks that there are countless female writers who have not left their names in history.

Among them, there is no lack of experience of publishing novels under male pen names before being discovered as women.It's just that Mary's works are a little special. Firstly, she contributed to the magazine for serialization, and coincidentally, "The King of Carnival" attracted the attention of PT Barnum herself, so she was on the cusp of the storm; secondly, she not only Agatha Christie created suspense novels for a whole generation, and started with extremely sensational serial murder cases. "Serial Killer Chess Game" not only put forward the concept of serial murderer early, but also blamed the criminal motive more on the oppression and distortion of the family and social environment, which is not in line with the moral decency of the entire era.

If Philip Luther's true identity is not disclosed until Mary dies; if Mary becomes famous and becomes a generation of masters; if Mary simply writes for money and doesn't care about her own works at all-whether it is public or not, for her It's okay to say.

However, even though he kept saying that he created for income, the ultimate pursuit of that writer is not to gain more affirmation for his works, to stand the test of history, to transcend time and international, and to spread to people in different countries and times? ?

If Mary had been just a 20-year-old unmarried girl in the nineteenth century, Blackwood's behavior would have been an almost devastating blow to her.And Mary is not—even if she is not, before she became famous, it would be tricky enough for her to expose her identity when "The King of Carnival" was at the cusp of public opinion.

It can be said that it completely disrupted Mary's career planning, and added a lot of ups and downs to her future creative path.If she hadn't come with 21st century memories, the raid would have been almost devastating.

Mary put down the newspaper and took a deep breath.

Erin looked at her very worriedly: "Mary, are you okay?"

Among Mary's relatives and friends, Irene may be the only one who doesn't know her authorship—after all, Ms. Irene Adler is not a gossip, and the beautiful soprano never asked the three classmates who lived next door. What does Miss Nut do for a living.She had thought that the whole expenses of the three girls in London depended on their two sisters and their parents.

But even so, Irene was not surprised when she learned that Philip Luther was Mary through the newspaper. Instead, she looked at Mary worriedly: "If you choose to hide your identity, it proves that you don't want to be exposed. Is there anything wrong with that?" as a result of?"

bad consequences?

The worst thing in the short term is just more abuse and verbal criticism, a single girl is full of crazy and perverted, and undoubtedly terrible thoughts of murderous demons.

Fortunately, the two elder sisters are already married, and Lydia has won the favor of the ladies by relying on her own ability, so her elder sister's reputation naturally does not affect her.As for Catherine... Mary thought Catherine would not mind, but she might be very angry.The current fourth sister is an expert in all kinds of reasoning and suspense novels. A man who does not accept Mary as a writer is not in the scope of Catherine's marriage consideration at all.

It’s just that Mrs. Bennet, the mother of several Miss Bennets, is going to go crazy for a while. Anyway, the sky is high and the emperor is far away.

The long-term impact of...

It is that Mary, like all female writers in the nineteenth century, will face a more difficult and obstructed creative path than men.

It's nothing, she claims that she has never been a girl who is afraid of difficulties.

"It's okay," Mary pursed her lips, "but I have to go to the "Seaside Magazine" magazine to meet the editor-in-chief."

Not to mention anything else, the news was leaked by the secretary of Hall’s editor-in-chief—that girl has always been enthusiastic about her, and she looks like a female writer who contributes articles, and she is proud of herself. Mary was a little surprised that she did this kind of thing. , Be sure to ask Editor-in-Chief Hall for an explanation.

"Ask Dr. Watson to accompany you," Irene suggested, "I'm afraid people from the Illuminati will attack you."

"Watson is here?" Mary was a little surprised.

After all, Inspector Lestrade specially sent several police officers to protect them, and now there is no need for Holmes and Watson to act as escorts.

"Miss Morstan is here, why should he not come?"

Irene smiled, but turned to worry: "The doctor said that Mr. Holmes rushed to Scotland Yard early in the morning when he saw the newspaper. Is there anything he can do to help you?"

Mary was startled: "The detective went to Scotland Yard?"

But she immediately realized that Sherlock Holmes would not go to Scotland Yard for help—even if he had a way, he should do it himself.Go to Scotland Yard...

"Blackwood can bribe the people around the editor-in-chief," Mary frowned. "Naturally, it can also put pressure on Scotland Yard. There are many dignitaries and government secrets in the Illuminati. I am afraid that Scotland Yard will not be able to provide it like the raid on the underground altar." Helped."

Irene was shocked, but her mind turned quickly: "Holmes must have a way."

So did Mary.

I'm afraid he just saw Blackwood revealing his identity, so he speculated that the Illuminati would definitely have another trick.Targeting a female writer is a piece of cake, what really needs to be done is to prevent them from uncovering the true face of the Illuminati.

However, if you know government secrets, others don't?

Mary hooked her lips: "Leave it to Mr. Holmes. I'll go to the magazine office first. Just ask a police officer to accompany me. Let Dr. Watson accompany Miss Morstan. And, Irene."

Erin: "What?"

Mary said very seriously: "When you have time, can you teach me how to use a gun?"

Eileen smiled.

She seemed to be very satisfied with Mary's request, and the gentle Ms. Irene Adler smiled slyly: "If you come back before dark today, we can start class today."

Having received Irene's promise, Mary went straight to the magazine office with arrogance and went straight to the editor-in-chief of Hall to "settle accounts".

Although for the magazine, what they do is to arrange that each issue of the magazine will not be empty, and the quality of the manuscript will pass the test, but seeing that "The King of Carnival" will be printed next month, something like this happened , and it wasn't good news for Shore Magazine either.

After Mary walked into the magazine, she found that the female secretary who used to sit at the door of the editor-in-chief's office had disappeared.

Instead, a young editor stood up almost immediately after seeing Mary: "Miss Mary, thank God for coming, the editor-in-chief said that you will definitely come in person!"

"Is Editor Hall free now?" Mary asked.

"He's waiting for you!"

The editor hurriedly opened the door for Mary, and when he saw a young man in a police uniform accompanying Mary, he couldn't help showing a nervous look: "Well, Miss Mary, the editor-in-chief's secretary has been fired by him on the spot, don't...don't... ..."

Mary raised her eyebrows: "Don't what?"

Edit: "No, nothing!"

I always felt that Miss Mary seemed to be really angry, and the young editor hurriedly braked and shut up.An annoyed author has never been synonymous with being easy to bully, it's better to leave it to the editor-in-chief to deal with it himself.

Of course, the young editor felt right.

Mary was calm, but she did feel a little angry—a sense of betrayal, to be precise.

The number of times she visited the "Seaside Magazine" magazine in person, but every time she visited, the female secretary sitting in front of the office always had her eyes lit up, and then greeted Mary with great enthusiasm, and said that she liked her very much. Works, I think it's amazing that she can write such a serial.

The secretary recognized by Editor-in-Chief Hall is also extraordinary in Mary's heart.But it was this lovely secretary who had betrayed herself, and strictly speaking, it was the responsibility of the "Seaside Magazine".

So when she walked into Editor-in-Chief Hall's office, Mr. Editor-in-Chief gave the answer Mary wanted without looking up: "Someone granted her the status of baroness, and asked her to show that you are Philip Luther." Evidence. Sorry, Miss Mary, I thought I was already a boss who treats his subordinates well, but who told me I couldn’t introduce her to the nobles.”

Mary: "..."

Ok.

To be honest, Mary is not surprised by such a situation.

Can the most admired author be compared to the title of noble lady?There are so many prominent figures in the Illuminati. Blackwood casually said that this lady is from the inside of the organization, and your union is from the inside of the organization. Even if she is a little female secretary, what's the problem?

"It seems that the employees of the magazine do not have an industry confidentiality contract." Mary half-jokingly said.

"Industry secrecy?"

Editor-in-Chief Hall was very surprised: "Why does the magazine want an industry confidentiality contract? The author's name is written under the title, and the magazine has to be open to the public every day...Damn it."

Halfway through, the editor-in-chief Hall also realized the problem.

If there was an industry confidentiality contract, his female secretary, who was promised a generous temptation, would have to weigh the consequences of violating the law before betraying Mary.

Seeing the editor-in-chief Hall's reaction, it is enough for Mary to conclude that the cultural industry in the [-]th century did not have this kind of binding contract to prevent competition and sign with employees.But Mary didn't plan to mention it too much, it had nothing to do with her, wouldn't it be enough for Editor-in-Chief Hall to keep an eye on this incident.

She hadn't come to discuss legal issues with Editor-in-Chief Hall, and it hadn't been agreed to keep Mary's identity strictly confidential.She came to study how to solve the problem.

"What's going on now," Mary asked, "have any critics telegraphed you on the spot?"

Hearing her almost sarcastic teasing, Editor-in-Chief Hall smiled wryly.

"Please sit down first," said the editor-in-chief, "I'll ask the editor to pour you a cup of tea."

When Mary was seated, the editor-in-chief called the young editor to arrange a police officer who would accompany Mary, and told him to make tea, and then he sat down opposite Mary in a leisurely manner.

"No critics have scolded me yet," he responded, "but early this morning, I received news that a young and promising congressman threatened several investors of magazines last night, or stop Philip Luther's serialization, either withdraw the capital, or find trouble with them."

Mary's heart tightened: "And then?"

Editor-in-chief Hall sneered a few times: "Barnum announced vigorously on the other side of the sea that he would hold a new world tour with the script of "The King of Carnival", and your real name was published in the newspaper again. Anyone with a business mind Anyone can see that the next issue of The Strand Magazine will sell better than last month, and you want to stop the capitalists from taking the pound sterling in front of you?"

Also.

When the editor-in-chief said this, Mary immediately reacted.

After all, she is not engaged in business, and her own interests are involved, so she didn't think of this for a while.Although Blackwood's actions are attacking and slandering Mary's "fig leaf", it is also a kind of propaganda for Philip Luther and "The King of Carnival".

First fry the black and then wash the white, isn't this a commonly used routine on the Internet in the 21st century.

"With all due respect, Miss Mary," the editor-in-chief saw that her face had softened a lot, knowing that Mary, who was turning her head, could no longer blame herself, so she continued, "In this game, the only ones who are hurt are you and yours." Fame. Capitalists don’t care about the life and death of an unmarried girl. They can only see that the next issue of the magazine will be sold. As for whether Philip Luther will still have attention after that, it will not attract negative effects, it’s up to you and me issues that require attention.”

"so."

Mary understood the subtext of editor-in-chief Hall: "You are not going to give up Philip Luther."

Editor-in-chief Hall: "Capitalists can only see money. If I do the same, then what kind of magazine should I run? Isn't it more cost-effective to engage in securities?"

Mary laughed out loud.

Wanting to keep the name of Philip Luther is more or less lazy to start over and reduce risks. Mary's two suspense novels have a stable response, good and bad, but they have made significant progress.Not to mention that there are still people who continue to hype public opinion one after another, and it is a pity to give up directly after that.

It's easy to keep Mary, she can still write under a pseudonym.But because of the author's style and writing characteristics, it is impossible to continue writing suspense novels, and the story of Philip Luther will come to an abrupt end.Obviously, editor-in-chief Hall does not support Mary's doing this. He still hopes that she can write what he likes and is good at, and shine for it.

Mary's expression was calm, which made Editor-in-Chief Hall somewhat aware.

"It seems," he said politely, "that you have an idea, Miss Mary."

"Yes."

"So how do you plan to deal with this crisis of public opinion?"

"I'll take care of it after "The King of Carnival" is over."

"..."

Editor-in-chief Hall was very speechless, this was not the answer he wanted to hear.But before he opened his mouth to explain the situation, Mary continued: "It's not that I don't care, but that everything will be handled when Mr. Sherlock Holmes catches Blackwood. As you said, editor, the next issue of the magazine that is about to be published is bound to be repeated." If it attracts a big sale, then it means that Blackwood has brought everything to the forefront of public opinion. He and his Illuminati will plan to counterattack, but they will not succeed. When all the Illuminati are arrested and everything is made public, "Beach" Magazine can not only write a long exclusive summary, but also expose today's events as a conspiracy by Blackwood."

Speaking of this, Editor-in-Chief Hall seemed to understand what Mary meant: "You mean, since everything was arranged by Blackwood, return everything to him today and accuse him of smearing you."

As he said that, Editor-in-Chief Hall nodded: "If possible, we can invite a few more people to stand up and say that they are Philip Luther to confuse the eyes, so that Detective Luther can regain his mysterious identity. "

"No, editor-in-chief, you're thinking about it."

"what?"

Mary raised the corners of her lips almost smugly.

This 20-year-old unmarried girl is pretty, but definitely not outstanding.Her petite stature made her look gentle and kind. No one would have thought that she could create a tough character like Philip Luther with her frail hands.

Editor-in-Chief Hall was also surprised at the beginning. It's not that he has never seen a female writer write a love story.A female writer about a detective who fumbles around a crime scene?Forgive him for his lack of knowledge, the editor-in-chief has never seen it.

And until now, when Mary Bennet smiled, there was a bit of light in those bright eyes, the look of a hard-core writer in Editor-in-Chief Hall's impression.

She took off her usual modesty, straightened her spine, and spoke very seriously——

"I am Philip Luther, the detective who walks in the streets and alleys, and no one can pretend to be a substitute."

Editor-in-Chief Hall was almost speechless.

Mary didn't wait for his response, but asked instead: "Aren't I, editor-in-chief? Others don't know, but you know. In addition to creating, I'm also really investigating cases. As a private detective, assist Sherlock Holmes has wiped out the Illuminati, isn't that enough to prove my ability?"

"And a competent detective," continued Editor Hall, "is not surprising when he writes a crime that is both meticulous and daring."

When his words fell to the ground, looking at the radiant Mary Bennet, both of them felt relieved at the same time.

I knew the editor-in-chief would understand.

Mary's first reaction when she saw the news was to find someone to replace her, or as the editor-in-chief thought, to find more people to stand up and declare that she was Philip Luther, so as to achieve the effect of fishing in troubled waters.

But the moment she stepped into the magazine, Mary already had the answer in her heart.

Editor-in-Chief Hall treats himself favorably because he has taken a fancy to his own writing ability behind Philip Luther.It is precisely because of this ability that the female secretary appreciates her, and the young editor outside the door is afraid of her getting angry.

Want someone else to replace you?It is not impossible, but Mary is not reconciled.

Because she is the real Philip Luther.

When questioned after her identity was revealed, all Mary could think of was attacking her as a woman and young, with no experience in criminal investigation and full of bloody thoughts.

And Mary's other profession can sternly shut everyone's mouths.

She is a detective. After going through the economic case and returning from the underground altar in Blackwood, maybe she is just a novice who has just stepped into the industry. She is jerky and has little accumulation, but who can question Mary Ben? The identity of Nat's private investigator?

As for other attacks, annihilation, and slander, let them all come here. Mary is not afraid of challenges, but what she fears is that there will be no challenges.

but……

"Since Blackwood bribed your people to disclose my identity," Mary whispered, "it's too much to justify without using the news effect."

"What's your idea, Miss Mary?" Editor-in-Chief Hall asked.

"It's not a bad idea either."

Mary spoke triumphantly.

"If you can, editor," she said, "please find some tabloids and let the ending of "King of Carnival"--not the real ending, of course--before the next issue of the magazine comes out, and let them make a big splash, saying" In the ending of "The King of Carnival", the plot took a big turn, and Pluto really used Philip Luther to get the "Mona Lisa"!"

——Do you want to compare yourself with public opinion?Mary is from the 21st century!

Taking out of context and grandstanding, these routines were not uncommon when Mary was growing up: the ending set by the original plot is that after Luther catches the thief, he is dragged by Pluto to make a public appearance, officially igniting a night of carnival in Paris.Pluto did use Luther, he used Luther's fame instead of stealing paintings, isn't commercial use not use?

Now that things are up, instead of worrying about the consequences of revealing your identity, it is better to let go of your hands completely.

Let "The King of Carnival" also ignite a complete carnival of public opinion in reality!

After reaching an agreement with Editor-in-Chief Hall, Mary walked out of the office refreshed.Seeing her close the door with a smile, the young chief editor, who is also temporarily serving as editor-in-chief's secretary, let out a sigh of relief.

"Is there a solution?" He asked with concern, "There should be a solution, Miss Mary."

"rest assured."

Mary nodded: "I have a way."

EDIT: "That's great, ah yes."

As he spoke, he took out a telegram from his desk: "The telegram just sent from Scotland Yard looks urgent."

Scotland Yard?

Mary and the police officer who accompanied her to the magazine looked at each other in surprise.To telegraph Mary from Scotland Yard at this time...

She probably knew it.

[Come to the police station quickly. ——sh]

It was indeed the message from Mr. Holmes.It seems that Mary's speculation before departure was not wrong, and the detective has probably figured out a countermeasure.

According to Mary's thinking, Blackwood wants to put pressure on Scotland Yard from the top, so as to prevent the investigation. Mary feels that the following secret contest is completely a good show that she can't get involved in.

Not to mention anything else, among the members of the Illuminati there are government officials. Doesn't Sherlock Holmes know it?

The author has something to say: What kind of old man do you want, Mary can do it by herself【x

I am currently reading "The Madwoman in the Attic", which is a literary theory book that interprets the works of nineteenth-century female writers from a feminist perspective.Although it is not a new book, it is my college classmate Amway, but it is really another perspective.The metaphor Blackwood used to describe Mary's creation before, and the narration in this chapter, are actually what I learned and sold.This book is a theoretical supplement for me, and I have learned a lot. "The Madwoman in the Attic" refers to Bertha, the mad wife of the protagonist Rochester in "Jane Eyre". The reason for using this metaphor is that the two authors believe that the female protagonist in the nineteenth century actually has two doubles. , one is Jane Eyre, rational, restrained, capable of resistance but also within the rules of society, and the other is Bertha, who represents instinct and wildness, and burns Thornfield Manor, which symbolizes the cage of patriarchy, with a fire.From this theory, the so-called conclusion of nineteenth-century critics that "art comes from instinct (that is, sexual desire), so women cannot touch real art" is quite wrong.They cannot touch real art because women in the [-]th century could not receive higher education and enter Oxbridge like men, but even so, they still took out their pens and oppressed them in a society where their nature was suppressed and their personality was bound by morals. Next, still issued a cry that belongs to nature.When I first went to college, I also thought Jane Austen's story was very boring. Isn't it just a love story? It's so petty.But from this point of view, the creations of all of them, whether "Pride and Prejudice", "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights", these are not only love stories but not completely love stories. , They are living souls, souls that are almost dead under the weight of social order and moral cages, struggling and screaming for freedom and refusing to be domesticated.

So regarding the matter of Mary's vest, when I first conceived the plot, I also wanted to be replaced by others—otherwise I would not have arranged for her to meet those two old detectives.But I feel that it is inappropriate to write here. Mary is not a female writer in the [-]th century. Her nature has never been suppressed. If she doesn’t even have this courage, it’s not for nothing that she has more than a hundred years of knowledge than others. =. =