# Dinner for Two explained — Behind That Curtain

> Chapter companion for Behind That Curtain by Earl Derr Biggers.

## What happens

June Morrow and Barry Kirk discuss the murder case over dinner at Marchetti's. June expresses doubts about the identity of Eve Durand and lists multiple suspects, including Carrick Enderby, Eileen Enderby, Gloria Garland, Mrs. Tupper-Brock, Paradise, Li Gung, and Colonel John Beetham. Kirk defends Beetham's character but acknowledges his hard nature. Earlier, Inspector Duff and Charlie Chan discuss the case, noting that Colonel Beetham was present at the Peshawar picnic where Eve Durand disappeared. Chan advises against questioning Beetham prematurely. Duff suggests advertising a reward for the missing velvet slippers. The chapter ends with Kirk persuading June to dine with him, lifting her spirits.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suspicion and Trust

June Morrow and Barry Kirk discuss a wide range of suspects, highlighting the pervasive suspicion surrounding the murder.

### The Past Haunting the Present

The Peshawar picnic from 1913 resurfaces as a key clue, linking past events to the current murder investigation.

### Gender Roles and Professionalism

June Morrow reflects on her role as a female lawyer and her frustration with not contributing more to the case, while Kirk's comments about 'cute girls' highlight gender dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### June Morrow

Expresses doubts about Eve Durand's identity and lists multiple suspects; discusses the case with Kirk over dinner.

### Barry Kirk

Dines with June Morrow at Marchetti's; defends Colonel Beetham's character but acknowledges his hard nature.

### Inspector Duff

Discusses the case with Chan; suggests advertising a reward for the missing velvet slippers.

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Advises against questioning Colonel Beetham prematurely; agrees to dine with Inspector Duff.

### Colonel John Beetham

Mentioned as having been at the Peshawar picnic; considered a suspect by Kirk and Morrow.

### Major Eric Durand

Provides information about the Peshawar picnic, revealing Colonel Beetham's presence.

## Key lines

> Something inside me. Just a hunch⁠—a woman's intuition⁠—I suddenly felt quite sure that she wasn't Eve Durand after all.

June Morrow feels a strong intuitive certainty that the elevator girl is not Eve Durand.

_June's doubt about the identity of Eve Durand, based on intuition._

> I think he'd pull out a gun and shoot me. Yes, I'm certain he would, and he'd go on his way happy to know there was one weakling who would never trouble him again.

Kirk suggests Colonel Beetham would shoot a weak companion to avoid being slowed down.

_Kirk's harsh assessment of Colonel Beetham's character._

> Humbly begging pardon to cut in⁠—would you ask a blind man the road?

Chan advises against questioning Colonel Beetham about the picnic, comparing it to asking a blind man for directions.

_Chan's cautious approach to investigating Beetham._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xiv-dinner-for-two
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters