The Murder at the Vicarage · Chapter
XVII explained
Inspector Slack reveals that the telephone call to the vicar was traced to the empty North Lodge of Old Hall, and the call to Mrs.
What happens
Inspector Slack reveals that the telephone call to the vicar was traced to the empty North Lodge of Old Hall, and the call to Mrs. Price Ridley was traced to Lawrence Redding's cottage. He suspects Mrs. Lestrange of blackmail and murder, but the vicar doubts her capacity for blackmail. Miss Marple summons the vicar to report that she saw Gladys Cram entering the wood with a suitcase at midnight, returning without it.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrets
The traced telephone calls and Miss Marple's observation of Gladys Cram's midnight errand highlight hidden activities and deceptive alibis.
Appearance vs. Reality
The vicar's perception of Mrs. Lestrange as a lady contrasts with Inspector Slack's view of her as a potential blackmailer and murderer.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
The vicar receives Inspector Slack's updates and visits Miss Marple.
- Inspector Slack
Shares his findings about the telephone calls and his suspicion of Mrs. Lestrange.
- Miss Marple
Summons the vicar to report seeing Gladys Cram with a suitcase at midnight.
- Griselda
Delivers Miss Marple's note to the vicar and mentions her dislike of old women.
- Mrs. Lestrange
Inspector Slack suspects her of blackmail and murder, but the vicar doubts she is a blackmailer.
- Miss Cram
Miss Marple saw her entering the wood with a suitcase at midnight.
Key passages
“Curiously enough, I could believe Mrs. Lestrange guilty of murder much more easily that I could believe her capable of blackmail.”
The vicar finds it easier to imagine Mrs. Lestrange committing murder than engaging in blackmail.
Reflects the vicar's personal judgment of Mrs. Lestrange's character.
“Got it... That’s the point of the telephone call. Kind of alibi.”
Inspector Slack realizes the telephone call was designed to create an alibi for the murderer.
Key insight linking the telephone call to the murder plot.