The story in one page
Kenneth Traynor departs for South Africa to secure a diamond larger than the Koh-i-noor, leaving his wife, Helen, behind in their Gramercy Park residence. While Kenneth is abroad, an impostor who bears a striking, identical resemblance to him takes his place at home. Helen finds herself caught between the schemes of the sinister Signor Keralio and her own dawning realization that the man she lives with is a stranger. As the impostor acts with increasing boldness, the true Kenneth returns to expose his twin brother. The ruse concludes with a suicide and the recovery of the stolen gems, finally reuniting Helen with her actual husband.
Who's who
- Helen
The wife who must distinguish her husband from an impostor.
- Kenneth
An adventurer whose diamond mission triggers an identity crisis.
- Signor Keralio
A manipulative figure who leverages inside information for personal gain.
- Steell
A lawyer who helps orchestrate the final rescue.
What it's really about
- Identity Theft
- A double replaces a man within his own household.
- Corporate Greed
- Diamond mining creates life-or-death stakes for stockholders.
Why it's memorable
- A jeweled hand striking a man squarely on the mouth.
- A grandfather clock chiming midnight as an impostor sits at the desk.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The imposter twin kills himself at his club, leaving the real Kenneth to reunite with Helen and secure the recovered diamonds. The couple is finally safe in port.
For your book club
- Can a wife really not tell her own husband from a stranger?
- How many carats does it take to ruin a marriage?