# VI: The Inquest explained — The Mysterious Affair at Styles

> Chapter companion for The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_affair_at_styles_se/chapters/vi-the-inquest
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_affair_at_styles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_affair_at_styles_se/chapters