Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XXIX: 6:30 a.m.—As Is Mirage explained
Lieutenant Valcour confronts Mrs.
What happens
Lieutenant Valcour confronts Mrs. Endicott with his theory that Marge Myles killed Herbert Endicott. He suggests Marge was searching for a forged letter in Endicott's room, was discovered, and that Endicott's heart attack was caused by the shock. Valcour presents two alternatives: either Marge escaped and Mrs. Endicott shot her husband to protect Hollander, or Marge is still hidden in the house. Mrs. Endicott remains defiant, and Valcour decides further efforts are futile, preparing to formally charge her.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Innocence
Valcour lays out a case against Marge Myles and Mrs. Endicott, exploring the question of who is truly guilty of the murder.
Deception of the Senses
Mrs. Endicott's claim of seeing no one on the balcony is challenged, and Valcour presents alternative interpretations of the events.
Obsession and Control
Mrs. Endicott's obsession with death and the afterlife is noted, and Valcour's theory suggests Endicott's sadistic control over Marge Myles.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Valcour
Presents his detailed theory to Mrs. Endicott, accusing Marge Myles of the murder and suggesting Mrs. Endicott is hiding her or shot Endicott herself.
- Mrs. Endicott
Defiantly listens to Valcour's accusations, maintaining her innocence and refusing to alter her story about seeing no one on the balcony.
- Marge Myles
Valcour theorizes she murdered Harry Myles, was being blackmailed, and attempted to retrieve a forged letter from Endicott's room, leading to the events of the night.
- Herbert Endicott
The victim, whose death Valcour believes was caused by Marge Myles, either through a heart attack or a gunshot wound.
- Thomas Hollander
Mentioned as the man Mrs. Endicott suspected and whom Valcour suggests she shot Endicott to protect.
Key passages
“I think that you have gone mad.”
Mrs. Endicott tells Valcour she believes he is insane.
Mrs. Endicott's reaction to Valcour's accusations.
“Herbert liked to see things squirm. He was subconsciously sadistic.”
Mrs. Endicott admits her husband enjoyed watching others suffer.
Mrs. Endicott's characterization of her husband's personality.
“There are more unwritten laws than the common one so generally known.”
Valcour suggests there are moral codes beyond the written law.
Valcour's attempt to persuade Mrs. Endicott to confess.