That Affair Next Door · Chapter
A Tilt with Mr. Gryce explained
Amelia Butterworth, having left her patient resting at Miss Althorpe's, seeks out Mr.
What happens
Amelia Butterworth, having left her patient resting at Miss Althorpe's, seeks out Mr. Gryce to ascertain whether the police have found the missing rings from the Van Burnam murder. Through a cleverly dissembled conversation, she confirms that Gryce has not located the rings, and she hints at having discovered something herself, though she refuses to disclose details until the next day. After leaving Gryce, she visits several locations in search of the rings but finds no clue. Upon returning to Miss Althorpe's, she learns that Ruth Oliver has fled during her absence.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Amelia deliberately dissembles her true intentions when speaking with Mr. Gryce, pretending to have great news to manipulate him into revealing his lack of knowledge about the rings.
Observation and Deduction
Amelia carefully observes Mr. Gryce's reaction to the word 'rings' and deduces that he has not found them, using her deductive skills to gain an advantage in their rivalry.
Characters to notice
- Amelia Butterworth
Visits Mr. Gryce to probe his knowledge of the rings, then searches for the rings around the city.
- Mr. Gryce
Engages in a verbal duel with Amelia; admits he has not found the rings and shows interest in her discoveries.
- Miss Althorpe
Hosts Amelia and Ruth Oliver; is present at the house when Ruth flees.
- Ruth Oliver
The patient Amelia left resting; runs away from Miss Althorpe's while Amelia is out.
- Howard Van Burnam
Mentioned as the man arrested for the murder; Amelia believes he is innocent.
Key passages
“I never carry valuables on my person. A half-dozen expensive rings stand for too much money for me to run any undue risk with them.”
Amelia tells Mr. Gryce she does not bring valuable items with her, implying she has found the rings but left them safely elsewhere.
Amelia uses this statement to mislead Gryce into thinking she has discovered the rings.
“I have not, said I, but neither have you, and as that is what I wanted to make sure of, I will now take my leave without further ceremony.”
Amelia admits she has not found the rings, but confirms that Gryce has not either, which was her goal in visiting him.
This reveals Amelia's true purpose: to ascertain the police's lack of progress.
“Madam, I once said, as you will doubtless remember, that the day would come when I should find myself at your feet. That day has arrived.”
Mr. Gryce acknowledges that Amelia has outmaneuvered him, recalling his earlier prediction that she would eventually have the upper hand.
Gryce's remark shows his grudging respect for Amelia's investigative skills.