The Razor’s Edge: Part 5, Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Somerset returns home to the Riviera a week later and receives a note that Elliott, who is ill in bed, would like to see him. Somerset goes to see him and is surprised to find that Elliott seems rather lively. A week later, Somerset sees Elliott out at a party. A few days later, Elliott is bedridden again. When Somerset goes to see him, Elliott is forlorn that he hasn’t been invited to an upcoming party. Somerset goes the next day to see Edna Novemali, the person who is throwing the party.

At Edna’s house, Somerset is determined to tactfully secure an invitation for Elliott. When he asks Edna why she hasn’t invited Elliott, she says he’s a bore and a snob. Elliott then goes to Edna’s secretary, Miss Keith. Miss Keith says Elliott has always been civil to her. She says she would never do anything to betray her employer, but she can’t help what happens when her back is turned. She says the invitations are on a nearby table, and she looks away while Somerset puts one of the invitations into his pocket.