The Mysterious Affair at Styles · Chapter
VI: The Inquest explained
The inquest into Mrs.
What happens
The inquest into Mrs. Inglethorp's death unfolds with testimony from Dorcas, Mary Cavendish, Cynthia Murdoch, and others. Dr. Bauerstein and Dr. Wilkins confirm strychnine poisoning, dismissing suicide or accidental overdose. Lawrence Cavendish suggests the tonic may have been responsible, but the doctors refute it. Alfred Inglethorp denies purchasing strychnine and claims his wife mistook Dr. Bauerstein for him in her dying words. The jury returns a verdict of wilful murder against a person or persons unknown.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Alfred Inglethorp's calm denials and his claim that his wife mistook Dr. Bauerstein for him highlight the theme of deceptive appearances.
Justice and Truth
The inquest seeks to uncover the truth, but conflicting testimonies and evasive answers suggest the difficulty of achieving justice.
Marriage and Betrayal
The quarrel between Mr. and Mrs. Inglethorp and the suspicion of murder point to betrayal within the marriage.
Characters to notice
- Mary Cavendish
Testifies about hearing the quarrel and the falling table; appears composed but evasive.
- Alfred Inglethorp
Denies purchasing strychnine, claims he was out walking, and suggests his wife mistook Dr. Bauerstein for him.
- Lawrence Cavendish
Suggests the tonic may have caused death, but his idea is dismissed by doctors.
- Cynthia Murdoch
Testifies she was asleep and heard nothing of the tragedy.
- Evelyn Howard
Produces the letter from Mrs. Inglethorp written on the evening of the 17th.
- Hercule Poirot
Observes the proceedings closely, noting Inspector Japp's presence and reacting to Inglethorp's testimony.
Key passages
“I really do not remember hearing anything.”
Mary Cavendish claims she did not hear the quarrel despite sitting nearby.
Her evasiveness raises suspicion about her knowledge.
“Mr. Mace must have been mistaken.”
Alfred Inglethorp denies being recognized at the chemist's shop.
His denial is contradicted by the shopkeeper's testimony.
“In the dim light, and suffering as she was, my poor wife mistook him for me.”
Inglethorp suggests his wife confused Dr. Bauerstein with him in her dying words.
Poirot finds this an ingenious but not necessarily true explanation.