# XIII: Under Suspicion explained — The Middle Temple Murder

> Chapter companion for The Middle Temple Murder by J. S. Fletcher.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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