That Affair Next Door · Chapter
A Shrewd Conjecture explained
Amelia Butterworth devises a test to confirm her theory about the murder: she places an advertisement for a woman dressed in a brown silk skirt and black and white plaid blouse, and writes a letter to Miss Ferguson requesting a photograph o
What happens
Amelia Butterworth devises a test to confirm her theory about the murder: she places an advertisement for a woman dressed in a brown silk skirt and black and white plaid blouse, and writes a letter to Miss Ferguson requesting a photograph of Mrs. Van Burnam. She then takes a midnight walk with Lena to examine possible hiding places in the block where the mysterious couple was seen, concluding that the bundle was disposed of via a sewer.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Amelia uses a deceptive advertisement and a false pretext (toothache) to conduct her investigation, highlighting the theme of appearances versus reality.
Observation and Deduction
Amelia's shrewd conjecture and midnight walk demonstrate her deductive reasoning and keen observation of the environment.
Justice and Truth
Amelia's actions are driven by a desire to uncover the truth and serve justice, despite the impropriety of her methods.
Characters to notice
- Amelia Butterworth
Devises the advertisement and letter, conducts a midnight investigation with Lena.
- Lena
Delivers the communications and accompanies Amelia on her midnight walk.
- Miss Ferguson
Recipient of Amelia's letter requesting a photograph of Mrs. Van Burnam.
- Howard Van Burnam
His testimony is analyzed in light of Amelia's theory; his conduct is questioned.
- Mr. Gryce
Mentioned as not having produced the plaid silk bundle.
- Mrs. Howard Van Burnam
The subject of the advertisement and the photograph request; her plaid silk is key to the theory.
Key passages
“The test of which I speak was as follows: I would advertise for a person dressed as I believed Mrs. Van Burnam to have been when she left the scene of crime.”
Amelia decides to place an advertisement for someone wearing the same clothes she believes Mrs. Van Burnam wore when leaving the crime scene.
Amelia outlines her plan to test her theory.
“I am not a coward, but I have a respectability to maintain, and what errand could Miss Butterworth be supposed to have in the streets at twelve o'clock at night!”
Amelia acknowledges her fear of impropriety but justifies her midnight walk as necessary for the investigation.
Amelia struggles between her sense of propriety and her determination to solve the case.
“If I wanted to get rid of anything of a damaging character, I would drop it at the mouth of one of these holes and gently thrust it into the sewer with my foot, thought I.”
Amelia concludes that the second bundle was likely disposed of by being pushed into a sewer opening.
Amelia's deduction about the disposal of the incriminating bundle.