That Affair Next Door · Chapter
The Order Clerk explained
A friend of the Van Burnam family testifies that young Mrs.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
The chapter reveals layers of deception: the victim's false cheerfulness, the use of an alias ('Mrs. James Pope'), and the disguise of clothing and veils to conceal identity.
Observation and Deduction
Amelia Butterworth prides herself on her deductive skills, anticipating the significance of the order clerk's testimony before it is given.
Characters to notice
- Amelia Butterworth
Narrates the chapter, observing the inquest with keen interest and forming her own judgments about the witnesses and jury.
- Coroner Dahl
Presides over the inquest, questioning witnesses and directing the proceedings.
- Richard Clapp
Mentioned as the Altman's employee who delivered the order to the Hotel D—.
- Mrs. Howard Van Burnam
The deceased; her clothing is identified as the outfit ordered by 'Mrs. James Pope'.
- Howard Van Burnam
Mentioned as having possession of the handbag left by his wife at the friend's house.
Key passages
“She was a friend of the Van Burnam family, and had known Howard from childhood. She had not liked his marriage; indeed, she rather participated in the family feeling against it, but when young Mrs. Van Burnam came to her house on the preceding Monday, and begged the privilege of remaining with her for one night, she had not had the heart to refuse her.”
A family friend testified that she disapproved of Howard's marriage but allowed his wife to stay overnight on Monday.
Establishes the witness's connection and the victim's movements before the murder.
“On the seventeenth of September, as could be verified by the books, the firm had received an order for a woman's complete outfit, to be sent, C.O.D., to Mrs. James Pope at the Hotel D—, on Broadway.”
The order clerk testified that on September 17, Altman's received an order for a full woman's outfit to be delivered C.O.D. to 'Mrs. James Pope' at the Hotel D—.
Key evidence linking the victim's clothing to a false identity and a specific location.
“That a person by the name of Pope was registered on his books. That she came to his house on the seventeenth of September, some time near noon. That she was not alone; that a person she called her husband accompanied her, and that they had been given a room, at her request, on the second floor overlooking Broadway.”
The hotel clerk confirmed that a woman registered as 'Mrs. James Pope' with a male companion on September 17, requesting a second-floor room.
Corroborates the alias and introduces the mysterious 'husband' figure.