# VII: Mr. Gryce Discovers Miss Amelia explained — That Affair Next Door

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Observation and Deduction

Amelia uses her keen observation of the house-cleaner's manner and the clock's condition to form deductions about the case.

### Deception and Appearance

Both Amelia and Gryce engage in strategic deception, exchanging information while withholding their full knowledge.

## Character check-ins

### Amelia Butterworth

Visits Mr. Gryce to exchange information and offers her observations about the house-cleaner's suspicious manner.

### Mr. Gryce

Admits Amelia into the house, shares that a wound on the victim was not self-inflicted, and asks her to observe a gentleman at midnight.

### Howard Van Burnam

Mentioned as the prime suspect; Gryce implies matters look grim for him.

### Mrs. Boppert

The house-cleaner whom Amelia suspects is hiding something; Amelia urges Gryce to question her closely.

## Key lines

> I have noted something today which I think has escaped you. It is so slight a clue that most women would not speak of it.

I observed a detail today that I believe you missed. It is a small clue that many women would overlook.

_Amelia offers her observation to Gryce as part of their exchange._

> Question that queer-acting house-cleaner closely. She has something to tell which it is your business to know.

Interrogate that odd house-cleaner thoroughly. She has information you need to uncover.

_Amelia advises Gryce to press the house-cleaner for information._

> No man hangs on simple identification. We shall have to prove the crime, madam, but identification is important; even such as you can make.

A man is not convicted solely on identification. We need to prove the crime, but identification is still valuable, even your partial one.

_Gryce explains the role of identification in the investigation._

## Links

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