# As the Clock Struck explained — That Affair Next Door

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

## What happens

Amelia attends Miss Althorpe's wedding, only to witness Ruth Oliver interrupt the ceremony, claiming she is the bridegroom's true wife and accusing him of murder. The bridegroom collapses as the clock strikes eight.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se/chapters/xl-as-the-clock-struck
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/that_affair_next_door_se/chapters