That Affair Next Door · Chapter
XII: The Keys explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Family Duty and Loyalty
Franklin's testimony reveals tension between brotherly loyalty and family disapproval of Howard's marriage, as well as the threat of dissolving the firm.
Deception and Appearance
Witnesses describe a couple trying to avoid notice, a slit veil found in a hack, and the possibility of disguised handwriting.
Justice and Truth
The inquest seeks to establish facts through witness testimony and handwriting analysis, though experts disagree.
Characters to notice
- Franklin Van Burnam
Testifies about lending keys to Howard, the family's disapproval of the marriage, and his inability to identify the body.
- Howard Van Burnam
Mentioned as the brother who borrowed keys and whose marriage was disapproved by the family.
- Coroner Dahl
Presides over the inquest, questioning witnesses and pressing Franklin on family matters.
- Amelia Butterworth
Present at the inquest, observing proceedings and muttering about 'James Pope, his mark!'
- Silas Van Burnam
Mentioned as the senior partner who threatened to dissolve the firm if Howard did not leave.
- Miss Louise Stapleton
Referred to as the woman Howard married, formerly known as Louise Stapleton.
Key passages
“I gave them to him in our office last Tuesday morning. He said he might want to go into the house before his father came home.”
Franklin lent Howard the keys on Tuesday morning, explaining that Howard wanted access to the house before their father returned.
Establishes the transfer of keys and Howard's premeditated access to the crime scene.
“We could not like her.”
Franklin admits the family could not approve of Howard's wife.
Reveals the family's ongoing disapproval of the marriage.
“I cannot.”
Franklin cannot swear the body is not Mrs. Howard Van Burnam.
Leaves open the possibility that the victim is Howard's wife.