The Mystery of a Hansom Cab · Chapter
XXXII: De Mortuis Nil Nisi Bonum explained
Madge Frettlby lies delirious, attended by Sal Rawlins, and in her fever reveals that her father, Mark Frettlby, is implicated in Oliver Whyte's murder.
What happens
Madge Frettlby lies delirious, attended by Sal Rawlins, and in her fever reveals that her father, Mark Frettlby, is implicated in Oliver Whyte's murder. Meanwhile, Calton assembles Dr. Chinston, Brian Fitzgerald, and Detective Kilsip to read Mark Frettlby's confession. Kilsip presents evidence—Whyte's coat found in Fitzroy Gardens with a chloroform bottle purchased by Whyte himself—but Calton insists Frettlby is the murderer. The chapter ends with Calton beginning to read the confession.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
The confession and the efforts to suppress the truth about Mark Frettlby's involvement highlight the theme of secrecy.
The Past and Its Consequences
The murder and the marriage certificate from years ago come to light, affecting the present.
Justice and Injustice
The debate over who truly murdered Whyte and the desire to protect a dead man's reputation raise questions about justice.
Characters to notice
- Madge Frettlby
Lies delirious, raving about her father's guilt and Brian's innocence.
- Sal Rawlins
Nurses Madge and is instructed to let no one see her.
- Duncan Calton
Assembles the group to read Mark Frettlby's confession and argues for silence to protect the dead man's name.
- Brian Fitzgerald
Present at the reading of the confession; confirms the accusation against Frettlby.
- Mr. Kilsip
Brings evidence of Whyte's coat and chloroform bottle; insists Moreland is the murderer.
- Dr. Chinston
An executor of Frettlby's will; initially disbelieves the accusation against Frettlby.
Key passages
“Nothing is certain but the unforeseen; so says a French proverb, and judging from the unexpected things which daily happen to us, it is without doubt a very true one.”
The only certainty in life is the unexpected, as demonstrated by Madge's sudden illness.
Opening reflection on the unpredictability of events.
“There is blood on your hands, cried Madge, sitting up in bed, with her hair all tangled and falling over her shoulders; red blood, and you cannot wash it off. Oh, Cain! God save him! Brian, you are not guilty; my father killed him.”
In her delirium, Madge accuses her father of murder and exonerates Brian.
Madge's feverish revelation of her father's guilt.
“I have to inform you that you are one of the executors under the will of the late Mr. Frettlby, and that is why I asked you to come here today.”
Calton tells Dr. Chinston that he is an executor of Frettlby's will.
Calton explains the purpose of the meeting.
“Yes, and his name is Mark Frettlby.”
Calton declares that Mark Frettlby is the murderer.
Calton reveals the identity of the murderer.
“The man who purchased this was Oliver Whyte himself.”
Kilsip reveals that Whyte bought the chloroform.
Kilsip's discovery about the chloroform purchase.
