The Clue by Carolyn Wells
Author: Carolyn Wells
Published: 1909
Genre: Mystery
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The Clue is a novel by Carolyn Wells, published in 1909 and part of the Fleming Stone mysteries.
1. The Clue Synopsis
The Clue revolves around the mysterious death of Madeleine Van Norman, a wealthy heiress, on the eve of her wedding. The narrative delves into the lives of the characters connected to her, including her fiancé Schuyler Carleton, her cousin Tom Willard, and her social secretary Cicely Dupuy, among others. The story unfolds through a series of inquests, testimonies, and investigations led by various characters, including amateur detective Robert Fessenden and renowned investigator Fleming Stone. As they dig deeper, hidden motives, suppressed emotions, and complex relationships come to light.
2. The Clue Story Summary
Chapter 1
The old Van Norman mansion in Mapleton is a picture of elegance, its grandeur standing out among the cottages. Madeleine Van Norman, the heiress and owner, prepares to marry Schuyler Carleton, a polished man with impeccable manners. But Tom Willard, a charming and spirited cousin, stirs things up. Madeleine is fond of Tom’s impulsive affection, while Carleton remains distant and formal. Tom’s open admiration for Madeleine causes tension, yet he reveals his love for her.
As the wedding approaches, secrets and emotions simmer beneath the surface. Madeleine and Tom’s closeness leads to conflicts, shedding light on Carleton’s coldness. The impending marriage sparks rumors and concerns, questioning whether Madeleine’s choice is truly wise. A tangled web of relationships and suppressed feelings drives this tale of hidden desires and the complexity of human connections.
Chapter 2
On the day before Madeleine’s wedding, the old Van Norman mansion buzzes with activity and preparations. Professional decorators are working on the drawing-room to create a floral canopy for the ceremony. Amid the commotion, a group of young people tries to help but ends up hindering the decorators. Two bridesmaids, Kitty and Molly, decide to retreat to the library to wait for tea-time. Among the guests is Robert Fessenden, who is to be the best man.
Madeleine’s fiancé, Schuyler Carleton, is conspicuously absent from the dinner table, and Tom Willard takes his seat. Madeleine’s mood shifts from anxious to gaiety as she jokes with her guests. After dinner, the remaining guests, including Tom, leave for the night, and Madeleine becomes more somber. She sits alone in the library, joined by her secretary, Cicely. She asks Cicely to make some lists and then dismisses her, wanting to be alone for a while.
Chapter 3
In the Van Norman house, a distressing cry for help rings out, causing Cicely Dupuy to rush downstairs. Schuyler Carleton appears dazed and frantic, pushing buttons and ringing bells. Marie, Madeleine’s maid, arrives in a state of shock. Carleton directs her to the library, where they find Madeleine’s lifeless body seated at a table with a dagger and a bloodstain. Marie and Cicely are shaken by the sight. Miss Morton takes charge, and Doctor Hills is called.
Madeleine is pronounced dead from a stab wound, and a note hints at suicide. Carleton’s behavior attracts attention. Those present provide insights, and Doctor Hills orders everyone except Cicely and Marie to their rooms. Carleton’s demeanor is puzzling, and his reactions perplex the doctor.
Chapter 4
Miss Morton’s behavior becomes more erratic as she alternates between leaving the room, making abrupt decisions, and appearing calm. Marie, the French maid, follows her movements, and Mr. Hunt, a plain-clothes detective, is also present in the house. Tom Willard, who arrives, is shocked by the news of Madeleine’s suicide and seems unable to comprehend it.
Doctor Hills engages in a tense discussion with Doctor Leonard, the county physician, about whether Madeleine’s death was truly a suicide. Doctor Leonard insists on suicide due to the written confession, while Doctor Hills remains unconvinced. The presence of the detective adds to the tense atmosphere. Doctor Leonard advises Willard and Carleton to leave and rest for the night, and Doctor Hills relays this information to the women.
Chapter 5
Miss Morton retreats to her room, while Mrs. Markham goes to comfort Kitty French and Molly Gardner. Kitty is adamant that Madeleine wouldn’t have killed herself, suggesting instead that a burglar might be responsible. They discuss Madeleine’s feelings for Schuyler Carleton and her suspicions of his affection for another woman. Despite different opinions, the consensus remains that Madeleine’s death was tragic. In the library, Doctors Leonard and Hills continue to debate the nature of Madeleine’s death. As they discuss her strength, they notice the lack of blood on her hands, leading to the realization that it might be a case for the coroner.
Chapter 6
Rob Fessenden arrives at the Van Norman house the morning after the tragic death of Madeleine. He offers his assistance and is introduced to Kitty French, who believes Madeleine’s death was not a suicide, but murder. Fessenden agrees to help her investigate. They discuss the circumstances and Kitty’s conviction that Madeleine was too noble to commit suicide. The coroner arrives, and Fessenden offers his help as an amateur detective. He examines the scene and items in the library.
Everyone except the doctors is asked to leave the room. In the drawing-room, Fessenden talks with Kitty about Madeleine’s relationships, and they’re joined by Tom Willard and Schuyler Carleton. Fessenden and Kitty discuss their observations and opinions. Molly Gardner, visibly upset, joins them, and Fessenden suggests a walk for some fresh air.
Chapter 7
After returning from their walk, the group is invited to the library by Coroner Benson. The coroner discusses the doubts about Madeleine’s death being a suicide due to the lack of blood stains on her hands after handling the bloody dagger. Mrs. Markham offers her belief that Madeleine was indeed in great sorrow, and Kitty French confirms that Madeleine’s message was genuine. Doctor Hills suggests that they need to determine whether Madeleine could have handled the dagger without leaving any blood on her hands.
Fessenden proposes a theory about how Madeleine could have picked up the dagger, then dropped it back on the floor after cutting herself, causing the stains. Schuyler Carleton becomes distraught, and Fessenden suggests that the marks on the dagger’s handle be examined for finger-prints. However, the doctors’ examination doesn’t provide a clear answer. The coroner concludes that there is still no evidence refuting Madeleine’s suicide, and he asks if anyone else can contribute information. Fessenden speaks up, offering his own input.
Chapter 8
Coroner Benson questions Robert Fessenden, who is a lawyer from New York and the best man at Carleton’s wedding. Fessenden reveals that the note’s pencil and handwriting suggest it wasn’t written by Van Norman at the table that evening. He suspects it was written elsewhere with a softer pencil. Fessenden further asserts that Cicely Dupuy’s handwriting is remarkably similar to Van Norman’s and that she admitted writing the note, but she had her own reasons for not sharing that information.
The coroner decides to convene a jury for an inquest, and Fessenden seeks Kitty French’s help in analyzing the situation. They discuss their doubts about Cicely’s confession and the handwriting’s authenticity. Tom Willard, overhearing, shares his skepticism as well, which leads them back to the house.
Chapter 9
Lawyer Peabody arrives after lunch and is visibly affected by the tragedy. He reveals the contents of the wills he possesses. Richard Van Norman’s will transfers the wealth to Tom Willard due to Madeleine’s death before her wedding. Madeleine’s own will, drafted a few months prior to her demise, leaves her fortune and estate to Miss Elizabeth Morton.
This disclosure surprises many, except possibly Miss Morton herself, whose demeanor remains inscrutable. The inquest is conducted in the drawing-room, though the wedding decorations create an eerie atmosphere. Witness testimonies are gathered. Mrs. Markham last saw Madeleine at around 10 PM, and Miss Dupuy was with her in the library until half-past ten. She becomes flustered when asked about events following her departure from the library.
Chapter 10
In the aftermath of a tragic event, witnesses provide their testimonies to Coroner Benson. Cicely describes hearing a cry and finding Mr. Carleton distraught; she admits to writing a confessional paper intending self-harm. Marie, the maid, corroborates Cicely’s account and confirms she had no knowledge of Miss Van Norman’s intention to end her life. Kitty and Molly, two minor witnesses, add little insight.
Miss Morton, an acquaintance of the deceased, assumes a leadership role after the incident, while Fessenden, a detective, detects an air of falsehood. Tom Willard recounts leaving the house and being called back later by Miss Morton. The testimonies paint a complex picture of the events leading up to and following the tragedy.
Chapter 11
Schuyler Carleton is questioned about his activities on the night of the murder. He reveals that he entered the house around quarter past eleven with a latch-key, claiming he had an errand, but refuses to disclose the nature of the errand. He testifies that he discovered the body and raised the alarm around half-past eleven. However, Cicely Dupuy contradicts this, stating he came later than that. Carleton’s refusal to provide further details and the inconsistency in his timeline arouse suspicion.
The coroner suggests that Cicely rewrite the note, and it is determined that her handwriting matches the note’s. This disproves the suicide theory. The inquest adjourns, concluding that Miss Van Norman was murdered between half-past ten and half-past eleven, and the search for the murderer intensifies.
Chapter 12
The crowd disperses after the inquest, and Schuyler Carleton stands calmly, seemingly oblivious to the accusations. Kitty French and Robert Fessenden discuss the case in a quiet corner. Kitty speculates about Carleton’s possible motive, suggesting he might have killed Madeleine in a fit of jealousy due to his alleged interest in a companion named Dorothy Burt. Fessenden, however, doubts Carleton’s guilt and proposes that the murder might have been driven by other reasons. They decide to approach Cicely Dupuy for more information. Later, Kitty arranges for Fessenden and herself to talk with Cicely in Madeleine’s sitting room to gather insights.
Chapter 13
Cicely Dupuy’s sitting room is described as a well-furnished and organized space, showcasing her role as Miss Van Norman’s social secretary. Cicely talks to Kitty French and Robert Fessenden about the case, revealing that Madeleine was in love with Schuyler Carleton, who was in turn interested in a woman named Dorothy Burt. Cicely believes that Carleton loved Dorothy more than Madeleine. Fessenden questions whether Carleton had asked Madeleine to release him from their engagement. Kitty suggests that Cicely might have been infatuated with Carleton, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Fessenden shares his theory that Cicely could potentially be involved, citing her possible jealousy and emotional attachment as motives. Kitty resists the idea, and Fessenden acknowledges the possibility that Carleton might also be innocent due to their close friendship. Fessenden plans to stay in Mapleton to help clear Carleton’s name and observe developments. His decision is partly influenced by his growing interest in Kitty.
Chapter 14
Mrs. Carleton’s dinner table had a changed atmosphere due to the tragedy. Mrs. Carleton, while saddened by the event, also felt the loss of a potential wealthy alliance for her son, Schuyler. The Carletons were an old but not wealthy family. Schuyler was engaged to Madeleine Van Norman, which was a prestigious match. Despite his engagement, Schuyler had developed an attachment to Mrs. Carleton’s companion, Dorothy Burt. Mrs. Carleton had noticed this growing bond and feared that Schuyler might shift his affections. However, Dorothy remained distant and noble, not making any demands on Schuyler.
The dinner conversation revolved around the tragedy, and Fessenden noticed that Dorothy seemed relieved by Madeleine’s death. Fessenden contemplated the possibility of Dorothy’s involvement but found it hard to believe due to her innocent appearance. He had an uncomfortable conversation with Schuyler about his actions on the night of the murder and observed Schuyler’s interaction with Dorothy afterward.
Chapter 15
Rob Fessenden visits the Van Norman house with a plan to uncover clues. He’s determined to support his friend Schuyler Carleton’s innocence in the murder case. Marie, the maid, and Kitty French reveal that Miss Morton secretly took papers from Madeleine’s desk and burned them on the night of the murder. It’s suspected that these papers might have been a later will that Miss Morton destroyed to secure her inheritance of the house. Rob contemplates the possibilities of Miss Morton’s actions and her potential motives, while Kitty vows to assist in the investigation despite her initial reluctance.
Chapter 16
Rob Fessenden goes to Coroner Benson to share the information he received from Marie about Miss Morton’s actions. He walks with Kitty and discusses their pursuit of clues. Rob reflects on his suspicion of women as potential suspects. At the inn, he confirms Tom Willard’s alibi, but the information doesn’t provide much insight. He then joins Kitty for a search of the Van Norman house but finds no substantial clues except a cachou, a small confection. Tom Willard advises them not to expect to find material evidence, but Rob is glad they searched. Kitty admires Rob’s detective skills, and they discuss the importance of the tiny clue they found.
Chapter 17
Another inquest session takes place. Miss Morton is called as a witness, and she becomes defensive and denies any wrongdoing. Coroner Benson questions her about her actions on the night of the murder, specifically her trip to Miss Van Norman’s room. Miss Morton denies stopping in any other room and claims to have gone straight to her own room. Benson presses her about a paper she took from Miss Van Norman’s desk and burned, but she vehemently denies it.
Dorothy Burt is called to testify. She provides a composed account of the events on the night of the murder, including playing music and spending time with Schuyler Carleton. However, when questioned about her conversation with Carleton in the rose garden, she becomes agitated and refuses to answer. Coroner Benson insists, and she reluctantly describes their conversation as mundane. Benson also inquires whether she knew about Carleton’s visit to Miss Van Norman’s house that night, and she denies any knowledge. After her testimony, it becomes evident that Dorothy Burt and Schuyler Carleton are exchanging secret signals during questioning, raising suspicions about their connection to the murder.
Chapter 18
After the funeral of Madeleine Van Norman, the mystery of her death persists. The coroner’s inquest yields inconclusive evidence. Schuyler Carleton, the prime suspect, maintains his story despite suspicions. A detective is called in, and Rob Fessenden decides to support Carleton, vowing to prove his innocence. Carleton confesses to being secretly in the Van Norman house on the night of the death, to carry out a family tradition. He denies any involvement in the crime and shares his love for Dorothy Burt. Fessenden promises to work diligently to uncover the true murderer and alleviate the unwarranted suspicion on Carleton.
Chapter 19
Fessenden and Carleton establish a confidential relationship and discuss their suspicions about the murder of Madeleine Van Norman. Carleton admits his love for Dorothy Burt and his conflicted feelings towards Madeleine. They consider various suspects, including Miss Morton, but dismiss her as a potential murderer. They discuss Cicely Dupuy, suspecting her of having feelings for Carleton and possibly being involved in the crime due to her access to Madeleine’s correspondence. They also speculate that Cicely might have written notes to further strain the relationship between Carleton and Madeleine.
Fessenden decides to report his findings to the coroner and Detective Fairbanks, while Carleton refrains from implicating Cicely unless absolutely necessary due to his own involvement.
Chapter 20
Mr. Benson, initially suspicious of Carleton, is relieved to consider other suspects in Madeleine’s murder. Fessenden presents his theory to Detective Fairbanks, who is receptive to shifting suspicion away from Carleton. They discuss Cicely Dupuy’s potential involvement due to her emotional state and possible romantic attachment to Carleton.
Fessenden plans to interview Cicely but discovers she has suddenly left for New York. He rushes to catch a train to meet her there. However, his train is delayed, and he learns that Cicely has already left the station. Fessenden sends a telegram to Kitty French to gather Cicely’s address and travels to New York. He finds her apartment but learns she has recently left for the Grand Central Station. Fessenden races there to catch up with her.
Chapter 21
Fessenden spots Cicely Dupuy at the train station and approaches her gently to discuss her involvement. Cicely is initially wary but opens up, revealing that she initially suspected Carleton and withheld information to protect him. Fessenden realizes that Cicely is not the culprit but was trying to shield Carleton. He obtains her address for future communication. Back at the Van Norman house, Fessenden reports Cicely’s innocence. Tom Willard offers to fund the hiring of a famous detective, Fleming Stone. Stone agrees to take the case and will arrive soon. Fessenden remains determined to solve the mystery himself while Carleton and others await Stone’s expertise.
Chapter 22
Fessenden spots Cicely Dupuy at the train station and approaches her gently to discuss her involvement. Cicely is initially wary but opens up, revealing that she initially suspected Carleton and withheld information to protect him. Fessenden realizes that Cicely is not the culprit but was trying to shield Carleton. He obtains her address for future communication. Back at the Van Norman house, Fessenden reports Cicely’s innocence. Tom Willard offers to fund the hiring of a famous detective, Fleming Stone. Stone agrees to take the case and will arrive soon. Fessenden remains determined to solve the mystery himself while Carleton and others await Stone’s expertise.
Chapter 23
Fessenden updates Kitty about his interview with Dorothy Burt, and they agree that they’ve exhausted all leads. Mr. Fairbanks and Fessenden await the arrival of Fleming Stone, a renowned detective. Stone arrives and lodges at the Van Norman house. He gathers information from the group about the case. Stone later examines the house and identifies the ash-chute as a possible entry point for the murderer. He suggests that everyone keep this information confidential. The men leave to investigate Slim Jim, a suspected burglar. Kitty shares a small clue she found, a silver cachou, with Stone, who thanks her and leaves with a sorrowful look.
Chapter 24
Fleming Stone, a renowned detective, arrives at the Mapleton Inn where the landlord, Mr. Taylor, receives him. They discuss the Van Norman affair and the history of the Van Norman family. Stone requests cachous from a boy named Tripp. Tripp reveals he found a cachou bottle in room 14. Stone examines the room briefly and suggests Tom Willard, an engineer and Madeleine’s cousin, as the murderer.
Stone reveals that Willard had the knowledge to access the house through the fireplace and found a cachou on the floor of the library the night of the murder. Stone confronts Willard, who confesses to the crime out of love for Madeleine. Before anyone can prevent him, Willard stabs himself with the murder weapon. He leaves a will, bequeathing most of his fortune to Schuyler Carleton, Madeleine’s fiancé, as an act of justice. Willard dies, having confessed and punished himself for the crime.
