# XX: The Fourth Tragedy explained — The Greene Murder Case

> Chapter companion for The Greene Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine.

## What happens

Ada Greene is poisoned with morphine but survives thanks to a prearranged signal and the quick response of Doctor Drumm. The household is kept in the dark about the incident as the investigators hope to question Ada once she recovers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Tobias Greene dies later that night from strychnine poisoning, adding another layer of tragedy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Hidden Truth

The poisoning is kept secret from most of the household to allow for a potential confession from Ada, highlighting the theme of hidden truths and strategic concealment.

### Psychological Motivation and Insanity

The repeated attempts on family members' lives suggest a disturbed mind, and the investigators' focus on Ada's potential testimony underscores the psychological dimensions of the case.

## Character check-ins

### Philo Vance

Vance rises early, broods over the case, and suggests the signal system that saves Ada. He questions Sproot and Miss O'Brien about the poisoning.

### John F.-X. Markham

Markham informs Vance of Ada's poisoning, arrives at the Greene mansion, and leads the investigation into the attempted murder.

### Ada Greene

Ada is poisoned with morphine in her bouillon but survives thanks to Doctor Drumm's prompt treatment. She is expected to be questioned the next day.

### Ernest Heath

Heath is at the Greene mansion, having been notified by the nurse. He helps keep the poisoning secret and updates Markham and Vance.

### Sproot

Sproot discovers Ada poisoned, pulls down the signal curtains, and admits Doctor Drumm. He is questioned about the events surrounding the poisoning.

## Key lines

> The following day was one that will ever remain in my memory. Despite the fact that what happened had been foreseen by all of us, nevertheless when it actually came it left us as completely stunned as if it had been wholly unexpected.

The next day was unforgettable; even though we had anticipated the tragedy, its actual occurrence shocked us profoundly.

_The narrator reflects on the shocking impact of the fourth tragedy._

> She's pulled through.

Ada has survived the poisoning.

_Doctor Drumm announces Ada's recovery._

> No report was ever made by Doctor Oppenheimer, however. At some time between one and two the next morning Mrs. Greene died in convulsions as a result of strychnine-poisoning.

Doctor Oppenheimer never delivered his report because Mrs. Greene died of strychnine poisoning during the night.

_The chapter ends with the revelation of Mrs. Greene's death._

## Links

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