# XIII: Howard van Burnam explained — That Affair Next Door

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

## What happens

Howard Van Burnam is called to testify at the inquest. Initially composed and denying that the dead woman is his wife, he breaks down when a distinctive hat belonging to his wife is produced, forcing him to acknowledge the victim as Louise Van Burnam. The examination continues with questions about keys, hands, and a locket of hair, revealing Howard's evasiveness and the deepening mystery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Howard Van Burnam maintains a composed facade while concealing his knowledge and emotions, only breaking when confronted with physical evidence.

### Marriage and Romantic Relationships

The testimony reveals the strained relationship between Howard and Louise, including her secret trip to meet his father and his lack of immediate recognition of her body.

### Observation and Deduction

Amelia Butterworth's keen observations of the witnesses' reactions and Mr. Gryce's subtle cues highlight the detective work underlying the inquest.

## Character check-ins

### Howard Van Burnam

Testifies at the inquest; initially denies the victim is his wife but breaks down when her hat is produced; shows evasiveness about the keys and his wife's hands.

### Amelia Butterworth

Narrates the chapter; observes the proceedings from her seat in the courtroom, noting the reactions of the Van Burnam family and Mr. Gryce.

### Mr. Gryce

Present at the inquest; produced the hat found in the closet; his reactions are noted by Amelia, especially his contemplation of his cane.

### Franklin Van Burnam

Supports his brother Howard during the testimony; shows a troubled countenance.

### Silas Van Burnam

The father; present in the background, hides his face in distress and leaves the room after Howard's breakdown.

### Coroner Dahl

Conducts the examination of Howard Van Burnam; presents the hat and locket as evidence.

## Key lines

> I would not believe it was she, I would not believe it; but now—

Howard admits he refused to accept the victim was his wife until the hat forced him to confront the truth.

_Highlights the emotional turning point in his testimony._

> Find the murderer of this poor girl, and ask him where he got the keys with which he opened the door of my father's house at midnight.

Howard challenges the court to find the killer, implying the keys were stolen and used by the murderer.

_Shows Howard's attempt to deflect suspicion from himself._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se/chapters/xiii-howard-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