The Circular Staircase · Chapter
XVII: A Hint of Scandal explained
The inquest into Arnold Armstrong's murder reveals new evidence, including Doctor Stewart's testimony about a veiled woman with a sick child and a dispute with Armstrong, and Gertrude's account of the night of the murder.
What happens
The inquest into Arnold Armstrong's murder reveals new evidence, including Doctor Stewart's testimony about a veiled woman with a sick child and a dispute with Armstrong, and Gertrude's account of the night of the murder. Rachel Innes refuses to leave Sunnyside until the mystery is solved, and Mr. Jamieson agrees to investigate.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
The veiled woman, the hidden child, and the conflicting testimonies at the inquest highlight layers of secrecy surrounding the murder.
Class and Wealth
The scandal of a veiled woman and the Armstrong family's social standing are scrutinized, with Mrs. Fitzhugh's judgmental behavior reflecting class tensions.
Appearance vs. Reality
Gertrude's testimony appears straightforward but contains a glaring flaw, and the coroner's jury is described as puppets, underscoring the gap between presented facts and truth.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Innes
Attends the inquest, refuses to give up Sunnyside, and informs Louise Armstrong of her stepbrother's death.
- Gertrude Innes
Testifies at the inquest about locking the east door and hearing the shot, but her story has a glaring flaw regarding Armstrong's entry.
- Halsey Innes
Testifies about his interactions with Arnold Armstrong and Jack Bailey on the night of the murder.
- Mr. Jamieson
Observes the inquest intently and agrees to spend a few days at Sunnyside to investigate the circular staircase.
- Doctor Stewart
Testifies about the veiled woman and child, and his encounter with Armstrong arguing with the same woman.
- Louise Armstrong
Rachel tells her about Arnold's death; she is shocked but offers no new information.
Key passages
“I have only one excuse—to recall to the reader the events of the night of Arnold Armstrong’s murder.”
The narrator's sole purpose is to remind the reader of what happened the night Arnold Armstrong was killed.
Sets up the inquest as a recap of the murder night.
“The doctor’s examination was over, but he hesitated and cleared his throat. “Mr. Coroner,” he said, “at the risk of taking up valuable time, I would like to speak of an incident that may or may not throw some light on this matter.””
After finishing his testimony, Doctor Stewart paused and asked to mention an event that could be relevant to the case.
Introduces the hint of scandal involving a veiled woman.
“I flatter myself that the coroner got little enough out of me.”
I pride myself on giving the coroner very little useful information.
Rachel's defiant attitude during her testimony.
“The murder of Arnold Armstrong was a beginning, not an end.”
Arnold Armstrong's murder is just the first of more events to come.
Rachel's warning to Jamieson that the mystery is ongoing.