# IV: Silas van Burnam explained — That Affair Next Door

> Chapter companion for That Affair Next Door by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Duty and Loyalty

Silas Van Burnam's immediate concern for his daughters and his command to keep Howard away reflect familial protection and duty.

### Deception and Appearance

The scrub-woman's whispered challenge to Amelia's story and her knowing chuckle hint at hidden truths and the theme of appearances versus reality.

## Character check-ins

### Amelia Butterworth

Remains at the scene out of a sense of duty and curiosity, offers to host the Van Burnam daughters.

### Silas Van Burnam

Arrives from the steamer, initially irascible and profane, but becomes subdued after viewing the body; insists Howard be kept away.

### Franklin Van Burnam

Tries to manage his father's temper and prevent him from speaking too freely; accepts Amelia's offer to host his sisters.

### Isabella Van Burnam

Mentioned as being in the carriage with Caroline, calling for salts; not present in the house.

### Caroline

Mentioned as being in the carriage with Isabella, showing a blue look about the mouth; not present in the house.

## Key lines

> However much I may be needed at home, I cannot reconcile it with my sense of duty to leave just yet

Amelia insists she must stay at the scene out of duty, despite knowing she should go home.

_Amelia justifies her lingering presence to the reporter._

> Don't let Howard come. Keep Howard away till we are sure—

Silas Van Burnam orders his son to prevent Howard from seeing the body until they know more.

_Silas speaks in a low, thick voice after viewing the body._

> Let me play the part of a neighbor, and accommodate the young ladies for the night.

Amelia offers to host Isabella and Caroline Van Burnam at her home for the night.

_Amelia seizes the opportunity to be helpful and allay her own excitement._

> Are you going to keep to that story? About the young man and woman coming in the night, you know.

The scrub-woman asks Amelia if she will stick to her account of the midnight visitors.

_The scrub-woman's question implies doubt or hidden knowledge about the events._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se/chapters/iv-silas-van-burnam
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se/chapters