The Mysterious Affair at Styles · Chapter
Fresh Suspicions explained
Poirot and Hastings discuss the possibility of Evelyn Howard being the murderer, but Poirot dismisses it due to lack of motive.
What happens
Poirot and Hastings discuss the possibility of Evelyn Howard being the murderer, but Poirot dismisses it due to lack of motive. Poirot sends Hastings with a cryptic message for Lawrence Cavendish: 'Find the extra coffee-cup, and you can rest in peace.' Poirot has a sample of cocoa re-analysed despite previous tests. Alfred Inglethorp provides an alibi, clearing him of suspicion, and prepares to leave Styles. Hastings reveals that Dr. Bauerstein was present on the night of the murder, which Poirot considers highly significant. The household experiences relief and media scrutiny. Dorcas mentions a dressing-up box that might contain a green dress.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Poirot cautions against judging by appearances, noting that simulated devotion can mask murderous intent; Inglethorp's alibi reveals how appearances can be misleading.
Justice and Truth
Poirot systematically eliminates suspects based on motive and logic; the re-analysis of the cocoa and the search for the green dress reflect the pursuit of hidden truths.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Dorcas distinguishes between the 'gentlemanly' Poirot and the 'prying' Scotland Yard detectives, reflecting class-based perceptions of authority.
Characters to notice
- Hercule Poirot
Dismisses Evelyn Howard as a suspect due to lack of motive; sends Hastings with a cryptic message for Lawrence; has cocoa re-analysed; reacts with intense surprise upon learning Dr. Bauerstein was at Styles on the night of the murder.
- Arthur Hastings
Engages in discussion with Poirot about suspects; delivers Poirot's message to Lawrence; reveals Dr. Bauerstein's presence on Tuesday evening; describes Bauerstein's muddy appearance.
- Alfred Inglethorp
Provides an alibi that clears him of suspicion; plans to leave Styles for the Stylites Arms; expresses relief at avoiding arrest.
- John Cavendish
Expresses relief at Inglethorp's departure; discusses financial arrangements for keeping up Styles; notes the awkwardness of having misjudged Inglethorp.
- Evelyn Howard
Considered as a suspect but dismissed by Poirot due to lack of motive; her vehement hatred of Inglethorp is noted as unnatural.
- Dorcas
Approaches Hastings about a dressing-up box in the attic that might contain a green dress; praises Poirot as a gentleman.
Key passages
“If Miss Howard were capable of poisoning the old lady, she would be quite equally capable of simulating devotion.”
Poirot argues that if Evelyn Howard could commit murder, she could also fake loyalty.
Highlights the theme of deception and appearance vs. reality.
“Find the extra coffee-cup, and you can rest in peace!”
Poirot instructs Hastings to tell Lawrence that locating the missing coffee cup will bring resolution.
A cryptic clue pointing to a key piece of evidence.
“There is no murder without a motive.”
Poirot asserts that every murder has a reason behind it.
Underpins Poirot's deductive method of eliminating suspects.