The Three Taps · Chapter
XIV: Bredon Is Taken for a Walk explained
Angela Bredon, having befriended the barmaid Emmeline by posing as the advice columnist 'Aunt Daphne,' extracts a story about Emmeline's friend (actually herself) whose fiancé—revealed to be Simmonds—offered to release her from their engage
What happens
Angela Bredon, having befriended the barmaid Emmeline by posing as the advice columnist 'Aunt Daphne,' extracts a story about Emmeline's friend (actually herself) whose fiancé—revealed to be Simmonds—offered to release her from their engagement after learning he was cut out of a rich relative's will. This proves Simmonds knew about the codicil and had no financial motive for murder, though he remains nervous. Later, Brinkman invites Bredon for a walk to the gorge, seemingly seeking a private conversation, but meanders through trivial topics, leaving Bredon uncertain of his intentions.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Fraud
Angela deceives Emmeline by pretending to be the advice columnist Aunt Daphne to extract information about Simmonds.
Marriage and Partnership
The chapter explores the dynamics of engagement and marriage through Emmeline's story, including the tension between love and financial expectations.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Simmonds' expectation of inheriting a property 'far above his own station' highlights class aspirations and the social implications of wealth.
Characters to notice
- Miles Bredon
Returns from shopping and discusses his failed interrogation of Simmonds; later accepts Brinkman's invitation for a walk, hoping for a disclosure.
- Angela Bredon
Gains Emmeline's confidence by pretending to be Aunt Daphne of 'Cupid's Labyrinth,' extracting key information about Simmonds' knowledge of the codicil.
- Mr. Brinkman
Invites Bredon for a walk to the gorge, pointedly excluding Angela; engages in rambling conversation about geology and Pulteney, avoiding the expected disclosure.
- Mr. Simmonds
Referred to indirectly through Emmeline's story; revealed to have known about the codicil and offered to free his fiancée from their engagement, undermining the motive for murder.
- Emmeline
The barmaid at the Load of Mischief; confides in Angela under the impression she is Aunt Daphne, sharing the story of her friend's (her own) engagement dilemma.
- Mr. Pulteney
Mentioned as not fishing the Long Pool that day, allowing Brinkman and Bredon to visit the gorge without interruption.
Key passages
“I was Aunt Daphne of ‘Cupid’s Labyrinth,’ she spread herself. How would I advise a friend of hers to act who found herself in a very delicate situation? So I told her to cough it up.”
Angela pretended to be the advice columnist Aunt Daphne, and Emmeline eagerly asked for advice about a friend in a tricky romantic situation.
Angela's deception to gain information about Simmonds and Emmeline's engagement.
“We’ve got Leyland down, both ears touching. He himself said that his theory about Simmonds would break down if it could be proved that Simmonds did know about the codicil, did know that he’d been cut out of the will. And it can be proved; we can prove it!”
Bredon realizes that Leyland's theory about Simmonds is invalid because they now have evidence that Simmonds knew he was disinherited.
Key deduction that undermines the motive for murder.
“It still looks as if Simmonds had got something on his mind. And we know that Brinkman’s got something on his mind. Perhaps Brinkman will react on this morning’s conversation and let us know a little more about it.”
Both Simmonds and Brinkman appear anxious, and Bredon hopes Brinkman's reaction to the morning's events will lead to a revelation.
Bredon's anticipation of a confession from Brinkman.
