The Middle Temple Murder · Chapter
XIII: Under Suspicion explained
At the inquest, a porter named David Lyell testifies that he knew Stephen Aylmore only as 'Mr.
What happens
At the inquest, a porter named David Lyell testifies that he knew Stephen Aylmore only as 'Mr. Anderson' and saw him enter the Temple around midnight on June 21st–22nd with a man in a grey suit. Aylmore returns to the witness box, admits he rented chambers under the name Anderson, and confirms that John Marbury accompanied him there to retrieve a document. He refuses to disclose the document's nature or any details about his past with Marbury, leading the Coroner to adjourn the enquiry. Afterwards, Frank Spargo is approached by Jessie Aylmore.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Secrecy
Aylmore's use of the alias 'Mr. Anderson' and his refusal to disclose the document's nature highlight the theme of hidden identities and guarded secrets.
Deception and Blackmail
Aylmore's initial misleading testimony and his evasive answers suggest deliberate deception, possibly tied to a past that could be used for blackmail.
The Past Haunting the Present
Aylmore's reference to a document kept for twenty years and his refusal to discuss events of twenty years ago indicate that past actions are now resurfacing.
Characters to notice
- Frank Spargo
Observes the proceedings closely and is later approached by Jessie Aylmore as the court adjourns.
- Stephen Aylmore
Returns to the witness box, admits to renting chambers as 'Mr. Anderson' and that Marbury accompanied him there to retrieve a document, but refuses to elaborate on the document or his past.
- David Lyell
Testifies that he knew Aylmore only as 'Mr. Anderson' and saw him enter the Temple with a man in a grey suit around midnight on June 21st–22nd.
- Jessie Aylmore
Sits bolt upright in court, staring at her father in bewilderment; later approaches Spargo as the crowd leaves.
- John Marbury
Referenced as the deceased who accompanied Aylmore to his chambers to retrieve a document.
Key passages
“I have found it convenient, during the past three years, to rent a simple set of chambers in the Temple, where I could occasionally—very occasionally, as a rule—go late at night. I also found it convenient, for my own reasons—with which, I think, no one has anything to do—to rent those chambers under the name of Mr. Anderson.”
Aylmore explains that for the last three years he has rented a small set of rooms in the Temple, using the alias Mr. Anderson, and that he visited them only rarely and late at night.
Aylmore's admission of using a false name and secret chambers underscores his deliberate concealment.
“To fetch a document which I had in my keeping, and had kept for him for twenty years or more.”
Aylmore states that Marbury accompanied him to retrieve a document that Aylmore had been safeguarding for over two decades.
This revelation introduces a long-hidden document as a key piece of the mystery.
“I told you as much as I considered necessary for the purpose of this enquiry. I have virtually altered nothing now.”
Aylmore asserts that his earlier testimony was truthful as far as he chose to go, and that he has not changed his story.
Aylmore's defensive stance reveals his strategic withholding of information.