The Greene Murder Case · Chapter
VI: An Accusation explained
Vance, Markham, Heath, and Van Dine interview Ada Greene in her bedroom about the attack.
What happens
Vance, Markham, Heath, and Van Dine interview Ada Greene in her bedroom about the attack. Ada describes waking in the dark, feeling a threatening presence, and being shot after a hand touched her. Sibella interrupts with accusations, claiming Ada stole Chester's revolver and that Ada recognized her footsteps. Von Blon calms the situation, and Mrs. Tobias Greene's voice is heard from the adjoining room.
Themes in this chapter
Family Dysfunction and Decay
Sibella's public accusation and venomous tirade against Ada reveal deep familial hatred and dysfunction.
Secrecy and Hidden Truth
Ada's evasive answers about the attacker's identity and the mysterious presence in the dark underscore hidden truths.
Psychological Motivation and Insanity
Sibella's near-demoniacal outburst and Ada's terror highlight psychological instability and irrational motives.
Characters to notice
- Ada Greene
The wounded victim, interviewed in her bed; recounts the attack with fear and hesitation.
- Sibella Greene
Accuses Ada of stealing Chester's revolver and of recognizing her footsteps; displays venomous hostility.
- Philo Vance
Leads the gentle questioning of Ada, probing for sensory details of the attack.
- Doctor Von Blon
Attends Ada, reassures her, and sharply rebukes Sibella for her outburst.
- Chester Greene
Present during the interview; confirms his revolver is a .32 Smith & Wesson and is told to escort Sibella out.
- John F.-X. Markham
Present as the district attorney, observing the interview.
Key passages
“It was as though someone were in the room, threatening me.”
Ada felt an unseen presence threatening her in the dark.
Describes the onset of her fear before the attack.
“Why don't you tell them you recognized my footsteps?”
Sibella accuses Ada of knowing it was her footsteps.
Sibella's direct accusation during the interview.
“I saw her in Chet's room the other day, and I wondered then why she was snooping about there.”
Sibella claims she saw Ada snooping in Chester's room recently.
Sibella's allegation that Ada stole the revolver.