That Affair Next Door · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for That Affair Next Door by Anna Katharine Green.
Chapter 1
Book I: Miss Butterworth’s Window
Amelia Butterworth, a wealthy spinster, observes the Van Burnam house from her window and becomes entangled in the investigation of a mysterious death.
Chapter 2
A Discovery
Amelia Butterworth, a keen observer, discovers a dead woman in the Van Burnam mansion after a midnight disturbance. She interacts with a scrub-woman and a policeman, noting the woman's suspicious behavior and the orderly yet mysterious scene. The chapter ends with the scrub-woman crying 'Murder!' as the body is confirmed.
Chapter 3
Questions
Amelia Butterworth recounts her observations from the previous night to Detective Gryce, describing a man and woman arriving at the Van Burnam house. The scrub-woman's peculiar behavior raises Amelia's suspicions, though Gryce seems to overlook it. Amelia asserts her social standing and independence while engaging in the investigation.
Chapter 4
III: Amelia Discovers Herself
Amelia Butterworth asserts herself as a key witness in the murder investigation, demonstrating her keen observational skills by identifying the victim's hat and gloves and deducing details about the crime. She challenges Howard Van Burnam's dismissive attitude and earns the coroner's respect, solidifying her role in the case.
Chapter 5
IV: Silas van Burnam
Amelia Butterworth remains at the Van Burnam house after the discovery of the body, despite being urged to leave. Silas Van Burnam arrives from the steamer, agitated by the crowd and rumors. Franklin Van Burnam tries to manage his father's temper and prevent him from revealing too much. Silas, after seeing the body, is subdued and insists that Howard not be allowed near until they are certain of something. Amelia offers to host Isabella and Caroline Van Burnam for the night, an offer accepted by Silas. As she leaves, the scrub-woman whispers to her, questioning her story about the young man and woman entering the house at night, and expresses a knowing admiration.
Chapter 6
V: “This Is No One I Know.”
Amelia Butterworth hosts the Van Burnam sisters while the investigation unfolds. Howard Van Burnam is brought to identify the body but initially denies knowing her, though he later shows distress upon noticing the hands resemble his wife's. The chapter reveals tension among the Van Burnam family and Mr. Gryce's growing suspicions.
Chapter 7
New Facts
Mr. Gryce informs the Van Burnam family that the young woman found dead was murdered before the shelves fell on her. Howard Van Burnam refuses to identify the body as his wife, insisting on a coincidence despite evidence of a scar. The detective reveals the murder weapon was a slender instrument, not a knife, and Howard remains indifferent, requesting to leave to find his wife. Mr. Gryce orders the body to the Morgue, convinced Howard is lying.
Chapter 8
VII: Mr. Gryce Discovers Miss Amelia
Amelia Butterworth, determined to learn more about the murder investigation, approaches Mr. Gryce at the neighboring house late at night. She proposes an exchange of information: her observations from the afternoon's investigation for his knowledge of the case. Gryce, though sly, reveals that a wound found on the victim could not have been self-inflicted, confirming murder. Amelia advises him to closely question the house-cleaner, whom she suspects is hiding something. Gryce, in turn, asks Amelia to observe from her window at midnight for several nights to identify a gentleman entering the house. Returning home, Amelia ponders the discrepancy between the clock's testimony and her theory of the crime, suspecting the clock may have been tampered with.
Chapter 9
VIII: The Misses van Burnam
Amelia reads the morning papers' sensational accounts of the murder, which cast doubt on Howard Van Burnam's statements. She learns of the family's troubled history with Howard's wife. The Misses Van Burnam plead with Amelia to say the man she saw was not Howard. Mr. Gryce calls briefly, and Franklin Van Burnam arrives to take his sisters away. Amelia observes the nocturnal visitor again that night, still uncertain about his identity.
Chapter 10
IX: Developments
Amelia Butterworth attends the inquest into the death of the unknown woman found in the Van Burnam house. The medical examiner reveals that the victim did not die from the falling shelves but was killed by a thin steel point thrust into the nape of her neck. Mrs. Boppert gives hesitant testimony, and Howard Van Burnam is mentioned as having been shown the scar on the victim's ankle but refusing to identify her as his wife.
Chapter 11
X: Important Evidence
The inquest continues with testimony from Miss Ferguson, who reveals that Howard and Louise Van Burnam had been boarding with her in Haddam and that they left separately under strained circumstances. Amelia Butterworth is called as a witness and describes the couple she saw entering the Van Burnam house, though she cannot confidently identify the man. Mr. Gryce testifies about the broken hatpin found in the register, which matches the one removed from the victim's head, establishing the murder weapon.
Chapter 12
The Order Clerk
A friend of the Van Burnam family testifies that young Mrs. Van Burnam stayed with her on Monday night, appearing unnaturally cheerful and wearing a black and white plaid silk dress, a large hat, and rings. The order clerk from Altman's then identifies the victim's clothing as part of an outfit ordered by 'Mrs. James Pope' and delivered to the Hotel D— on September 17. The hotel clerk confirms that a couple registered under that name, with the woman handling all business and wearing a gossamer and veil, and that they left in the evening carrying a parcel.
Chapter 13
XII: The Keys
The inquest continues with testimony from a hackman who drove a couple to Gramercy Park on the night of the murder, and a policeman who saw a man and woman carrying parcels near the scene. Franklin Van Burnam testifies about lending keys to his brother Howard, the family's disapproval of Howard's marriage, and his inability to confirm or deny whether the victim is Mrs. Howard Van Burnam.
Chapter 14
XIII: Howard van Burnam
Howard Van Burnam is called to testify at the inquest. Initially composed and denying that the dead woman is his wife, he breaks down when a distinctive hat belonging to his wife is produced, forcing him to acknowledge the victim as Louise Van Burnam. The examination continues with questions about keys, hands, and a locket of hair, revealing Howard's evasiveness and the deepening mystery.
Chapter 15
A Serious Admission
Howard Van Burnam admits he was the person who accompanied his wife into the Van Burnam house on the night of her death, but denies killing her. He claims she was alive when he left and suggests she may have committed suicide or died accidentally. He also acknowledges he perjured himself earlier. The Coroner challenges his theories, revealing that the keys Howard claimed to have lost were found in his brother's office. Howard struggles to explain his wife's contradictory behavior and his own actions that night.
Chapter 16
XV: A Reluctant Witness
The inquest continues with the appearance of Randolph Stone, a friend of Howard Van Burnam and the intended husband of the rich Miss Althorpe. Stone testifies that he saw Howard Van Burnam coming down the stoop of the Van Burnam mansion at four o'clock on the morning of the eighteenth. Howard is recalled and admits he was there, claiming he returned to see his wife but left without entering because he could not find his keys. The Coroner adjourns the inquiry until Monday.
Chapter 17
Book II: The Windings of a Labyrinth
Amelia Butterworth continues her investigation into the Van Burnam murder, navigating a complex web of clues, interviews, and deceptions. She meets Ruth Oliver, a key witness, and places an advertisement to gather more information. The chapter deepens the mystery surrounding the identity of the victim and the motives of those involved.
Chapter 18
XVI: Cogitations
Amelia Butterworth retreats to her home to reflect on the day's events and the inquest testimony. She reexamines her earlier notes on the death, weighing the possibilities of accident, suicide, and murder. Despite the circumstantial evidence against Howard Van Burnam, she finds herself unconvinced of his guilt, relying on her instincts and the clue of the stopped clock. She entertains callers but keeps her own counsel, determined to trust her judgment for the night.
Chapter 19
Butterworth Versus Gryce
Amelia Butterworth and Mr. Gryce engage in a battle of wits over the Van Burnam murder case. Amelia challenges Gryce's conclusions, asserting that the man he brought to the house for identification was not the one she saw on the night of the murder. She also expresses her belief that Howard Van Burnam did not kill his wife with a hatpin, offering her intuition and reasons. Gryce remains skeptical and sarcastic, but Amelia declares herself a rival, not a coadjutor, in the investigation.
Chapter 20
The Little Pincushion
After the coroner's jury returns a verdict of murder by a hand unknown, Amelia Butterworth encounters the Van Burnam sisters, who embrace her effusively. Later, they visit her to report that Howard has been arrested. Amelia agrees to help prove his innocence and visits their home to investigate. She discovers a displaced pincushion and a dent in the bed, suggesting someone had been in the room. She also finds a novel with a faint tobacco odor and a clock that has been wound, leading her to set a secret test for the sisters to determine who wound it.
Chapter 21
A Decided Step Forward
Amelia Butterworth visits Mrs. Boppert in secret to gather more information about the night of the murder. Through careful questioning, she learns that the young woman claiming to be Mrs. Van Burnam entered the house through the basement door in the afternoon, was left alone, and wound the parlor clock at five o'clock before Mrs. Boppert left. Amelia realizes the clock's testimony is crucial to establishing the timeline of events.
Chapter 22
Miss Butterworth’s Theory
Amelia Butterworth develops a theory that the murdered woman is not Louise Van Burnam but rather a rival, and that Louise herself is the murderer. She reconstructs the events of the night, including the use of a hatpin as the weapon and the woman's escape after pulling down the cabinet. She acknowledges the evidence of the scar and rings but argues they could be explained away, and concludes that Howard Van Burnam perjured himself to protect his wife.
Chapter 23
A Shrewd Conjecture
Amelia Butterworth devises a test to confirm her theory about the murder: she places an advertisement for a woman dressed in a brown silk skirt and black and white plaid blouse, and writes a letter to Miss Ferguson requesting a photograph of Mrs. Van Burnam. She then takes a midnight walk with Lena to examine possible hiding places in the block where the mysterious couple was seen, concluding that the bundle was disposed of via a sewer.
Chapter 24
XXII: A Blank Card
Amelia receives a blank card from Miss Van Burnam's maid, then a letter from Miss Ferguson revealing that a spy from Mr. Gryce may have stolen any photograph of Mrs. Van Burnam. Later, Mr. Alvord brings two letters: one from Bertha Desberger inviting Amelia to visit, and another from milliner Phineas Cox about a pale young woman who bought a hat on the morning of the murder. Amelia visits Mrs. Desberger, who describes a troubled young woman calling herself Oliver who stayed with her on the 18th and then left, possibly to answer an advertisement for a lady-companion. Amelia later sends a silk blouse to Mrs. Desberger as a gift.
Chapter 25
XXIII: Ruth Oliver
Amelia Butterworth visits Miss Althorpe to investigate the mysterious young woman living with her, whom she suspects may be the fugitive connected to the Van Burnam case. Through careful questioning and a secret observation, Amelia confirms her suspicions about Ruth Oliver's identity and her possible involvement in the crime.
Chapter 26
A House of Cards
Amelia Butterworth tends to the ailing woman she believes to be Louise Van Burnam. Miss Althorpe confides in Amelia about her upcoming marriage to Randolph Stone, revealing her past happiness and trust. A critical revelation occurs when Miss Althorpe states she has seen Louise Van Burnam before and that she looks nothing like the patient, shattering Amelia's carefully constructed theory. Despite this, Amelia's examination of the patient's clothing and her reaction to having her shoes removed confirms the woman's identity as Louise Van Burnam.
Chapter 27
XXV: “The Rings! Where Are the Rings?”
Amelia Butterworth, alone with Miss Althorpe and the sick woman, reflects on the mistaken identity of the victim. She discovers money sewn into the patient's shoe, leading her to conclude that the patient is the rival, not Louise Van Burnam. Amelia re-evaluates the crime, theorizing that the clothing exchange occurred after death and that Howard Van Burnam may have been deceived by the clothing. She remains frustrated by her inability to find the missing rings.
Chapter 28
A Tilt with Mr. Gryce
Amelia Butterworth, having left her patient resting at Miss Althorpe's, seeks out Mr. Gryce to ascertain whether the police have found the missing rings from the Van Burnam murder. Through a cleverly dissembled conversation, she confirms that Gryce has not located the rings, and she hints at having discovered something herself, though she refuses to disclose details until the next day. After leaving Gryce, she visits several locations in search of the rings but finds no clue. Upon returning to Miss Althorpe's, she learns that Ruth Oliver has fled during her absence.
Chapter 29
Found
Amelia Butterworth discovers that Ruth Oliver has fled her sickbed, prompting a frantic search through the city. She eventually finds Ruth standing transfixed outside a Chinaman's laundry, the same shop where the mysterious clothes were left. After a struggle, Amelia brings Ruth back to Miss Althorpe's house, realizing her amateur detective work has reached a critical juncture.
Chapter 30
XXVIII: Taken Aback
Amelia Butterworth cares for a sick patient and finds herself in a complacent state after identifying Miss Oliver as the woman who accompanied Mr. Van Burnam. However, she receives a shocking letter from Mr. Gryce revealing that Franklin Van Burnam is to be arrested for the murder, contradicting her own findings.
Chapter 31
Book III: The Girl in Gray
Amelia Butterworth continues her investigation into the Van Burnam murder, focusing on a mysterious woman in gray who may hold the key to the case. Through interviews and observations, she uncovers new leads and deepens her understanding of the family's secrets.
Chapter 32
XXIX: Amelia Becomes Peremptory
Amelia Butterworth confronts Mr. Gryce and Inspector Z about their discovery of the rings in Franklin Van Burnam's office. She demands to know the evidence against Franklin before sharing her own findings, asserting her right to be treated as a coadjutor rather than a mere amateur. Gryce acknowledges that Amelia first put them on Franklin's track.
Chapter 33
The Matter as Stated by Mr. Gryce
Mr. Gryce reveals to Amelia Butterworth that he suspected Franklin Van Burnam all along, not Howard. He explains how he used Amelia's observations and his own detective work to build a case against Franklin, including a visit to the Hotel D⸺ where Franklin was identified as the man who had posed as Mr. James Pope.
Chapter 34
Some Fine Work
Mr. Gryce presents his case against Franklin Van Burnam, detailing the evidence of his involvement in the murder, including the discovery of the rings and a letter in his desk, while Miss Butterworth withholds her own knowledge of Ruth Oliver.
Chapter 35
XXXII: Iconoclasm
Amelia Butterworth reveals to Mr. Gryce and the Inspector that the murder was committed by a woman, not Franklin Van Burnam, and presents her evidence: the woman entered the house before the midnight couple, the hats and rings were planted, and the real culprit is Ruth Oliver, who hid the rings in her knitting yarn. Gryce is humbled by her deductions.
Chapter 36
Known, Known, All Known.
Mr. Gryce and Amelia Butterworth visit Ruth Oliver, who is recovering from illness. Gryce gently interrogates her about the rings and her involvement in the Van Burnam murder, revealing that the police know she was the woman who entered the house with Franklin Van Burnam. Despite her anguish, she refuses to name the guilty party, though she admits to being present and taking the rings.
Chapter 37
Exactly Half-Past Three
Mr. Gryce and Miss Butterworth discuss the case, concluding that Ruth Oliver was present at Mrs. Van Burnam's death and made an exchange of clothing, but the question remains whether Franklin or Howard Van Burnam is responsible for the murder. Miss Butterworth agrees to stay and help Miss Althorpe with wedding preparations, allowing her to remain in the house. She tends to Ruth Oliver, who is recovering but expresses despair and a wish to die. Mr. Gryce plans a scheme to test Ruth at half-past three, and Miss Butterworth suspects Ruth is a married woman shielding her husband.
Chapter 38
A Ruse
Amelia Butterworth assists Mr. Gryce in a scheme to test Ruth Oliver's reaction to seeing Howard and Franklin Van Burnam. Ruth fails to react to the first carriage containing Franklin but reacts with shock and fury upon opening the door of the second carriage, which contains Howard. Mr. Gryce then departs with Ruth, while Amelia follows the other carriage and discovers Franklin Van Burnam inside, confirming that Ruth's memories are associated with Howard.
Chapter 39
Book IV: The End of a Great Mystery
The final resolution of the mystery surrounding the Van Burnam case, revealing the truth behind the murder and the fates of the key characters.
Chapter 40
The Result
Mr. Gryce's scheme to confront Howard Van Burnam with Ruth Oliver fails to produce the expected confession. Despite Ruth's intense emotion, Howard remains composed and denies knowing her, while Ruth herself remains silent and non-accusatory. The chapter ends with Ruth requesting a police officer as they arrive at Police Headquarters.
Chapter 41
Two Weeks!
Ruth Oliver, brought before the Superintendent and Mr. Gryce, refuses to denounce anyone immediately. Instead, she demands two weeks of complete freedom, promising that at the end of that time she will identify the murderer of Mrs. Van Burnam. Despite skepticism, the authorities agree to her terms and plan to shadow her.
Chapter 42
A White Satin Gown
Amelia Butterworth is summoned by Mr. Gryce to visit Ruth Oliver, who is staying with Mrs. Desberger. Ruth, now changed and determined, asks Amelia to accompany her to buy a white satin evening gown and accessories, spending her savings extravagantly. Amelia complies under Gryce's instructions to humor her, sensing a tragic purpose behind Ruth's preparations.
Chapter 43
XXXIX: The Watchful Eye
A police operative surveilling Ruth Oliver reports her increasingly erratic behavior over several days. She receives a mysterious dressmaker's box, experiences intense emotional turmoil, and ultimately reveals to Mrs. Desberger her plan to attend Miss Althorpe's wedding, leaving the house in a carriage with a hidden parcel.
Chapter 44
As the Clock Struck
Amelia attends Miss Althorpe's wedding, only to witness Ruth Oliver interrupt the ceremony, claiming she is the bridegroom's true wife and accusing him of murder. The bridegroom collapses as the clock strikes eight.
Chapter 45
XLI: Secret History
Ruth Oliver, writing under the name Olive Randolph, provides a written confession explaining her past with John Randolph (later known as Randolph Stone), their secret marriage, his attempt to murder her, and her eventual interruption of his wedding to Miss Althorpe. She reveals how her actions, including the placement of rings on Mr. Van Burnam's desk, led to the mistaken connection with the murder of Mrs. Van Burnam.
Chapter 46
With Miss Butterworth's Compliments
In the aftermath of the mystery's resolution, Miss Butterworth reflects on the fates of the key figures. Franklin Van Burnam confesses the truth about his sister-in-law's threats and his actions on the night of the murder, while Howard Van Burnam's motives for perjuring himself are explained. Randolph Stone's guilt is acknowledged, and Miss Butterworth notes the lasting effects on Mr. Gryce's confidence. She also shares her personal arrangements, including Olive Randolph living with her and the continued visits of the Misses Van Burnam.
Chapter 47
Endnotes
Amelia Butterworth provides clarifying endnotes, correcting a misidentification of Franklin Van Burnam and reflecting on the pride of the Van Burnam family.
