Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights explained
Lieutenant Valcour interrogates Miss Roberts in the presence of Endicott's body, probing her knowledge of the shooting and her relationship with the Endicotts.
What happens
Lieutenant Valcour interrogates Miss Roberts in the presence of Endicott's body, probing her knowledge of the shooting and her relationship with the Endicotts. Roberts reveals her deep resentment of Mrs. Endicott's control over her husband, admits to possessing a Colt .38 given by her brother, and confesses she intended to use it to protect Endicott from his wife. She also discloses that Mrs. Endicott left the room and never returned, and that she believes Mrs. Endicott did not drink the narcotic. The interrogation exposes Roberts's emotional turmoil and her identification with Endicott's suffering.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Control
Roberts describes Mrs. Endicott's possessive control over Endicott as a 'tame tiger,' highlighting the dynamic of power and submission.
Guilt and Innocence
Roberts's contradictory statements and her admission of hiding a gun raise questions about her guilt and innocence.
Deception of the Senses
Valcour suggests that Roberts's subconscious may have counted shots, and Roberts's claim of not being on the balcony contrasts with Valcour's suspicion.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Valcour
Interrogates Miss Roberts, using psychological tactics to draw out her emotions and contradictions.
- Roberts
Reveals her hatred for Mrs. Endicott, her possession of a gun, and her intention to shoot Mrs. Endicott if she approached Endicott again.
- Mrs. Endicott
Discussed as controlling and manipulative, with Roberts claiming she never drank the narcotic and left the room.
- Herbert Endicott
The deceased, described as a 'tame tiger' controlled by his wife, and a man who never recovered from being a soldier.
- Thomas Hollander
Mentioned by Roberts as someone who might explain why Mrs. Endicott would kill her husband.
Key passages
“She was a Bernhardt—a Duse.”
Valcour admires Roberts's skillful acting, comparing her to famous actresses.
Valcour's internal admiration of Roberts's composure under interrogation.
“He was always hers, you see, no matter what it was he had done.”
Roberts explains that Mrs. Endicott maintained total ownership over Endicott regardless of his actions.
Roberts's description of the Endicotts' relationship.
“I wish she was in hell.”
Roberts expresses her deep hatred for Mrs. Endicott.
Roberts's emotional outburst during the interrogation.