# Long Life and Happiness explained — Behind That Curtain

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

## What happens

Barry Kirk reveals that his grandmother, Mrs. Dawson Kirk, recommended Grace Lane for a job in the Kirk Building. Miss Morrow interviews Mrs. Kirk, who admits that Helen Tupper-Brock introduced Grace Lane to her. Miss Morrow plans to monitor Mrs. Tupper-Brock's mail. Charlie Chan visits Captain Flannery at the Hall of Justice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suspicion and Trust

Mrs. Kirk's trust in Helen Tupper-Brock is questioned as her recommendation of Grace Lane becomes a point of suspicion.

### Gender Roles and Professionalism

Miss Morrow's professional interrogation of Mrs. Kirk challenges traditional gender roles, with Mrs. Kirk initially dismissive but ultimately impressed.

## Character check-ins

### Barry Kirk

Discovers his grandmother's role in recommending Grace Lane and arranges her interview with Miss Morrow.

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Observes the interview and later visits Captain Flannery at the Hall of Justice.

### June Morrow

Conducts a sharp interrogation of Mrs. Kirk, uncovering Helen Tupper-Brock's involvement.

### Dawson Kirk

Is questioned about her letter recommending Grace Lane and reveals Helen Tupper-Brock as the introducer.

### Captain Flannery

Is in good humor and plans to grill Miss Lila Barr; Chan visits him.

### Helen Tupper-Brock

Is implicated as the person who brought Grace Lane to Mrs. Kirk; her mail will be monitored.

## Key lines

> The more the increased merriment

The more suspects, the more fun.

_Chan's witty response to Kirk's news of another suspect._

> You overwhelm me with amazement. That dear old lady. What misendeavor has she been up to?

I'm surprised. What has that dear old lady done wrong?

_Chan's reaction to learning Mrs. Kirk is a suspect._

> I must handle her gently. Somehow, I don't believe she approves of me.

I need to be careful with her. I think she doesn't like me.

_Miss Morrow's concern about interviewing Mrs. Kirk._

> She's reached the age where she doesn't approve of anybody

At her age, she disapproves of everyone.

_Kirk's explanation of his grandmother's critical nature._

> Don't be too nice to her. She'll like you better if you walk all over her.

Don't be too kind; she'll prefer it if you're assertive.

_Kirk's advice to Miss Morrow on handling his grandmother._

> If she wasn't, then I must bow my head in sackcloth and ashes

If I'm wrong, I'll have to humbly admit my mistake.

_Chan's expression of certainty about Eve Durand's identity._

> You have wise head on pretty shoulders. What an unexpected combination!

You're both intelligent and attractive—a rare combination.

_Chan's compliment to Miss Morrow after her successful interrogation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xvi-long-life-and-happiness
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters