The Clue · Chapter
XII: Dorothy Burt explained
Kitty French and Rob Fessenden discuss the murder of Madeleine Van Norman, debating whether Schuyler Carleton is guilty.
What happens
Kitty French and Rob Fessenden discuss the murder of Madeleine Van Norman, debating whether Schuyler Carleton is guilty. Kitty suggests Carleton had a motive due to his love for another woman, possibly Dorothy Burt, while Fessenden remains skeptical and proposes alternative theories, including suicide or a burglar. They agree to investigate further and arrange to interview Cicely Dupuy.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Motive
Kitty and Fessenden explore Carleton's possible jealousy over Madeleine's flirtation with Tom Willard and his alleged love for Dorothy Burt as motives for murder.
Appearance vs. Reality
The chapter contrasts Carleton's outward honorable nature with the suspicion of his guilt, and Madeleine's composed exterior with her inner jealousy and suffering.
Characters to notice
- Rob Fessenden
Engages in a detailed discussion with Kitty French about Carleton's possible guilt, expresses doubt, and plans to investigate the case on his own.
- Kitty French
Shares her theories about Carleton's motive involving another woman, Dorothy Burt, and agrees to help Fessenden interview Cicely Dupuy.
- Schuyler Carleton
Remains present but oblivious to being an accused man; discussed as the primary suspect with a possible motive of love for another woman.
- Madeleine Van Norman
Referenced as the victim; her temperament and jealousy are discussed in the context of the murder.
- Cicely Dupuy
Mentioned as a person of interest; Fessenden and Kitty plan to interview her for information.
Key passages
“Look at Schuyler, ... Of course I suppose he must have killed Madeleine, but it's so hard to believe it, after all.”
Kitty French points out Carleton to Fessenden, expressing her belief that he is the murderer despite finding it difficult to accept.
Kitty voices the central suspicion against Carleton while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the accusation.
“I have a theory ... suppose he asked her to free him, because he loved another, and suppose she was so grieved and mortified at this, that in her own sudden fit of angry jealousy ... suppose she picked up the dagger and turned it upon herself”
Fessenden proposes that Carleton may have asked Madeleine to break off the engagement due to his love for another, leading Madeleine to commit suicide in a jealous rage.
Fessenden offers an alternative to Kitty's murder theory, suggesting suicide as a possible explanation.