That Affair Next Door · Chapter
X: Important Evidence explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
The murder weapon—a hatpin taken from the victim's own hat—highlights the deceptive and intimate nature of the crime.
Marriage and Romantic Relationships
Miss Ferguson's testimony reveals the strained marriage between Howard and Louise Van Burnam, marked by arguments and mistrust.
Observation and Deduction
Amelia Butterworth's careful observations of the couple entering the house and Mr. Gryce's detective work in finding the hatpin demonstrate the theme of deduction.
Characters to notice
- Amelia Butterworth
Called as a witness at the inquest; describes the couple she saw entering the Van Burnam house and expresses doubt about identifying the man.
- Mr. Gryce
Testifies about the discovery of the broken hatpin in the register, linking it to the murder weapon.
- Miss Ferguson
Testifies that Howard and Louise Van Burnam boarded with her in Haddam and describes their quarrel before Louise left for New York.
- Howard Van Burnam
Mentioned in Miss Ferguson's testimony as the husband who argued with Louise about her trip to New York.
- Louise Van Burnam
Mentioned in Miss Ferguson's testimony as the wife who insisted on going to New York against her husband's wishes.
- Coroner Dahl
Presides over the inquest and questions witnesses, including Miss Ferguson and Amelia Butterworth.
Key passages
“The end found in the register and the end which the Coroner's physician had drawn from the poor woman's head were both handed to the jury, and it was interesting to note how each man made his little effort to fit the two ends together, and the looks they interchanged as they found themselves successful.”
The two pieces of the hatpin—one from the register and one from the victim's head—were given to the jury, who tried to fit them together and exchanged knowing glances when they succeeded.
Amelia observes the jury's reaction to the matching hatpin pieces.
“It was like a stream of limpid water flowing from a most unsightly-looking rock.”
Her voice was beautiful and clear, contrasting sharply with her plain appearance.
Amelia's metaphor describing Miss Ferguson's voice.
“I have thought I could do so if I saw him under the same circumstances as those in which my first impression was made. But lately I have begun to doubt even that. I should never dare trust to my memory in this regard.”
I believed I could identify him only under the exact conditions I first saw him, but now I am uncertain and would not rely on my memory.
Amelia expresses doubt about identifying the man she saw.