The Murder at the Vicarage · Chapter
XXIII explained
The narrator and Miss Marple investigate the motive for Colonel Protheroe's murder, discovering that he had arranged for a valuation of his silver, which could have exposed Dr.
What happens
The narrator and Miss Marple investigate the motive for Colonel Protheroe's murder, discovering that he had arranged for a valuation of his silver, which could have exposed Dr. Stone's theft. A suitcase containing the stolen silver is found, clearing Stone of murder but raising Miss Marple's doubts about the timing. The narrator later explores a trail in the woods, suspecting it was made by Stone or Miss Cram, and finds a disturbed clearing.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrets
Dr. Stone's theft of the silver and his imposture as an archaeologist are uncovered, revealing a secret scheme.
Appearance vs. Reality
Dr. Stone appears to be a respected archaeologist but is actually a thief; Miss Marple questions whether his apparent innocence in the murder is real.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Investigates the valuation of Old Hall's contents and explores a trail in the woods, suspecting Dr. Stone or Miss Cram.
- Miss Marple
Suggests that the silver theft might have been covered up by copies, raising doubts about Dr. Stone's innocence in the murder.
- Anne Protheroe
Confirms to the narrator that Colonel Protheroe had arranged for a valuation of Old Hall's contents.
- Inspector Slack
Discovers the stolen silver in a suitcase and concludes Dr. Stone is not involved in the murder.
- Griselda
Declines to join the narrator on his detour to the barrow, as she has things to do at home.
- Constable Hurst
In charge of searching the barrow for a cache, dismisses Miss Marple's sense of time.
Key passages
“I see your idea,” I said. “I think we ought to find out for certain.” I went once more to the telephone. In a few minutes I was through to Old Hall and speaking to Anne Protheroe.”
The narrator agrees with Miss Marple's suggestion to verify the valuation and calls Anne Protheroe to confirm.
The narrator acts on Miss Marple's suspicion about the valuation motive.
“So that was the game,” he muttered. “Robbery. But I can’t make it out. There’s been no mention of these things being missing.””
Inspector Slack realizes the silver was stolen but is puzzled that no one reported it missing.
Slack connects the suitcase to the theft but notes the lack of a missing items report.
“It really would seem so,” said Miss Marple. “Although one never can be quite certain, can one?””
Miss Marple agrees that Dr. Stone seems cleared of murder but expresses lingering doubt.
Miss Marple's characteristic skepticism about apparent conclusions.