The Murder at the Vicarage · Chapter
XX explained
The narrator returns to the Vicarage to find a domestic crisis: their maid Mary has given notice after being insulted by Lettice Protheroe, who criticized her dusting.
What happens
The narrator returns to the Vicarage to find a domestic crisis: their maid Mary has given notice after being insulted by Lettice Protheroe, who criticized her dusting. The narrator persuades Mary to stay. Later, in his study, he finds a blue lapis lazuli earring, which he recognizes.
Themes in this chapter
Gossip and Community
Mary's grievance stems from Lettice's comment and the broader community scrutiny following the murder, highlighting how gossip and reputation affect domestic life.
Deception and Secrets
The narrator finds a blue earring that he recognizes, hinting at hidden connections and secrets related to the murder.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Returns to the Vicarage, mediates the domestic crisis with Mary, and later discovers a blue earring in the study.
- Griselda
Meets the narrator in distress over Mary giving notice; later mentions Miss Marple's invitation and discusses Lettice's feelings for Lawrence.
- Mary
The maid who gives notice after being criticized by Lettice Protheroe; persuaded to stay by the narrator.
- Lettice Protheroe
Criticized Mary's dusting and was found in the study looking for a yellow beret; discussed as attractive and possibly interested in Lawrence Redding.
- Dennis Clement
Present in the hall; defends Lettice and expresses admiration for her.
Key passages
“When one servant goes, you get another. It seemed to me a perfectly reasonable thing to say.”
The narrator thinks replacing a servant is straightforward.
Reflects the narrator's pragmatic view of domestic help.
“She loses about a dozen things every day.”
Lettice is habitually careless with her belongings.
Dennis's affectionate remark about Lettice's forgetfulness.
“In the palm of my hand was a blue lapis lazuli earring set in seed pearls. It was rather an unusual jewel, and I knew very well where I had seen it last.”
The narrator finds a distinctive earring in the study and recognizes it.
A key clue discovered by the narrator, linking to a previous encounter.