As the Clock Struck explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Appearance

  The bridegroom's hidden marriage and Ruth Oliver's dramatic unveiling expose the lies beneath the wedding's glittering surface.

• Justice and Truth

  Ruth Oliver's public accusation seeks to reveal the truth and bring justice for the murder she references.

• Marriage and Romantic Relationships

  The wedding ceremony is disrupted by the revelation of a prior marriage, questioning the sanctity and legality of the union.

Characters to notice

• Amelia Butterworth

  Narrator and observer at the wedding; she recognizes Ruth Oliver and Mr. Gryce.

• Mr. Gryce

  Present at the wedding, observed by Amelia; his expression is anxious.

• Ruth Oliver

  Interrupts the wedding, claims to be the bridegroom's wife, and accuses him of murder.

• Miss Althorpe

  The intended bride; cowers in shame and misery as the ceremony is disrupted.

• Olive Randolph

  The bridegroom; accused by Ruth Oliver of murder and of being already married.

Key passages

• “I do not attend weddings in general, but great as my suspense was in reference to Miss Oliver, I felt that I could not miss seeing Miss Althorpe married.”

  Amelia usually avoids weddings, but her concern for Miss Oliver compels her to attend Miss Althorpe's ceremony.

  Amelia's motivation for attending the wedding.

• “Why does he hesitate? Does he not recognize the only woman with whom he dare face God and man at the altar? Because I am already his wedded wife, and have been so for five long years...”

  Ruth Oliver declares that she is the bridegroom's lawful wife of five years, challenging his right to marry another.

  Ruth Oliver's claim of prior marriage.

• “Dead, Olive Randolph? Murderer! The blow struck in the dark found another victim!”

  Ruth Oliver accuses Olive Randolph of murder, suggesting his intended victim was someone else.

  Accusation of murder during the wedding.