Miss Morton's Statements explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Secrecy and Confession

  Miss Morton's refusal to explain her errand and her denial of burning a paper highlight the theme of secrecy, while the inquest attempts to force confession.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Dorothy Burt's innocent demeanor contrasts with Fessenden's suspicion that she is hiding information, illustrating the gap between how characters appear and what they truly know.

Characters to notice

• Elizabeth Morton

  Questioned about her movements on the night of the murder, her knowledge of her inheritance, and burning a paper from Madeleine's desk; she denies the accusations and gives contradictory statements.

• Rob Fessenden

  Present at the inquest, observes the witnesses and becomes suspicious of Dorothy Burt's demeanor and possible signals with Carleton.

• Mr. Benson

  The coroner conducting the inquest; he questions Miss Morton and Dorothy Burt, attempting to uncover the truth.

• Dorothy Burt

  Called as a witness; she gives vague answers about Carleton's actions and her conversation with him, and is suspected by Fessenden of being less ingenuous than she appears.

• Schuyler Carleton

  Mentioned in Dorothy Burt's testimony regarding his actions on the night of the murder; not present at the inquest but his behavior is under scrutiny.

Key passages

• ““Then why did you go to Miss Van Norman’s room to look for her will that night?” “Her will? I didn’t!” “No, not the will that bequeathed you the house, but a later will that made a different disposal of it.” “There wasn’t such a one,” said Miss Morton, in a low, scared voice.”

  The coroner accuses Miss Morton of searching for a later will that would have changed her inheritance, but she denies it, sounding frightened.

  Miss Morton's fear suggests she may be hiding something about the will.

• ““I did not do it,” she said clearly. “But you were seen to do it.” “By whom?” “By a disinterested and credible witness.” “By a sly, spying French servant!””

  Miss Morton denies burning a paper, but the coroner says a reliable witness saw her; she dismisses the witness as a snooping maid.

  Miss Morton's defensive reaction implies guilt or at least a desire to conceal her actions.

• ““Your occupation?” “I am companion and social secretary to Mrs. Carleton.” “Do you know of anything that can throw any light on any part of the mystery surrounding the death of Miss Van Norman?” Miss Burt drew her pretty eyebrows slightly together, and thought a moment. “No,” she said quietly; “I am sure I do not.””

  Dorothy Burt states she is Mrs. Carleton's companion and claims to know nothing that could help solve the mystery of Madeleine's death.

  Her calm denial contrasts with Fessenden's suspicion that she is withholding information.