The Mysterious Affair at Styles · Chapter
III: The Night of the Tragedy explained
Hastings is awakened by Lawrence Cavendish, who reports that Mrs.
What happens
Hastings is awakened by Lawrence Cavendish, who reports that Mrs. Inglethorp is gravely ill and has locked herself in her room. The household gathers, and after breaking down the door, they find her suffering violent convulsions. Dr. Bauerstein arrives and suspects poisoning, while Dr. Wilkins is called. Mrs. Inglethorp dies, and a postmortem is agreed upon. Hastings proposes bringing in Hercule Poirot to investigate, and John Cavendish reluctantly agrees.
Themes in this chapter
Poison and Scientific Detection
Dr. Bauerstein's suspicion of poisoning and the decision for a postmortem highlight the role of forensic science in uncovering the truth.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The locked room and Alfred Inglethorp's absence create an air of mystery, suggesting that things are not as they seem.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Hastings
Narrator; awakened by Lawrence, participates in breaking down the door, and later suggests calling Poirot.
- Lawrence Cavendish
Awakens Hastings; shows extreme agitation and a ghastly look upon entering the room.
- John Cavendish
Takes charge of the crisis; agrees to postmortem and to Hastings' plan to involve Poirot.
- Emily Inglethorp
Found dying in her locked room; suffers violent convulsions and dies after uttering 'Alfred—Alfred—'.
- Mary Cavendish
Present with Cynthia; reacts with horror when Hastings suggests poisoning, then flees upstairs.
- Dr. Bauerstein
Arrives unexpectedly; suspects poisoning and insists on a postmortem; locks the rooms.
Key passages
“Never have I seen such a ghastly look on any man’s face. He was white as chalk, the candle he held in his shaking hand was sputtering onto the carpet, and his eyes, petrified with terror, or some such kindred emotion, stared fixedly over my head at a point on the further wall.”
Lawrence's face was deathly pale, and he stared in terror at something on the wall, his candle trembling and dripping wax.
Hastings describes Lawrence's horrified reaction upon entering Mrs. Inglethorp's room.
“I believe she has been poisoned! I’m certain Dr. Bauerstein suspects it.”
Hastings confides to Mary that he thinks Mrs. Inglethorp was poisoned and that Dr. Bauerstein shares this suspicion.
Hastings voices his deduction to Mary Cavendish.