The White Alley by Carolyn Wells
Author: Carolyn Wells
Published: 1915
Genre: Mystery
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The White Alley is a novel by Carolyn Wells, published in 1915 and part of the Fleming Stone mysteries.
1. The White Alley Synopsis
The White Alley revolves around Dorothy Duncan, who visits White Birches, the estate of her fiancé, Justin Arnold. Tension arises between Dorothy’s modernity and the traditional setting, delving into the complexities of love, jealousy, and human relationships. As the story unfolds, Arnold mysteriously disappears, leading to a search and investigation. The story takes a dramatic turn when Arnold’s body is discovered, leading to a murder investigation. The narrative examines the motives and actions of the characters, culminating in a confession that reveals the true perpetrator and motives behind the murder.
2. The White Alley Summary
Chapter 1: White Birches
Dorothy Duncan and her mother arrive at White Birches, the estate of Justin Arnold, Dorothy’s fiancé. The chapter introduces the main characters, including Justin Arnold, Dorothy Duncan, Mrs. Duncan, Ernest Chapin (Arnold’s secretary), and Leila Duane (a friend). The chapter highlights Dorothy’s lively and flirtatious nature, her interactions with Arnold, and the contrast between her modernity and the traditional setting of White Birches. It also describes the elaborate security measures at the estate and sets the stage for the upcoming house party.
Chapter 2: Wilful Dorothy
The chapter focuses on the house party at White Birches, showcasing Dorothy’s central role in the social gathering. It introduces new characters, Emory Gale and Campbell Crosby, who are partners in a law firm and friends of Arnold. The chapter depicts Dorothy’s interactions with the guests, her playful and coquettish behavior, and her desire for attention and admiration. The tension between Arnold’s desire for control and Dorothy’s independent spirit is evident as they navigate their relationship dynamics.
Chapter 3: May And December
The chapter delves into the age difference between Arnold and Dorothy, exploring the implications for their upcoming marriage. It also highlights the dynamics within the Arnold family, including the role of Miss Abby Wadsworth and the potential inheritance issues involving Campbell Crosby. The chapter further explores Dorothy’s playful nature and her interactions with the guests, particularly her flirtation with Campbell Crosby and the resulting jealousy from Arnold.
Chapter 4: With Dancing Steps
The chapter revolves around a dance party at White Birches, where Dorothy’s love for dancing and her flirtatious behavior come to the forefront. It showcases her interactions with various guests, including Emory Gale and Campbell Crosby, and highlights the growing tension between her and Arnold due to her behavior. The chapter ends with a dramatic moment where Arnold walks away in frustration after witnessing Dorothy’s playful antics with the other guests.
Chapter 5: Scolding Is Barred
Dorothy insists on her independence in her future marriage with Arnold, refusing to be scolded or controlled. They have a playful argument about modern dances and jealousy. Dorothy flirts with Emory Gale to make Arnold jealous and discusses Leila’s potential interest in Gale. Dorothy seeks advice from Miss Abby, who encourages her to try harder to align with Arnold’s expectations. Dorothy resolves to be good to Arnold and not to flirt with other men.
Chapter 6: On A Balcony
After Gale and Crosby leave, Dorothy and Leila vie for Ernest Chapin’s attention. Dorothy’s mother warns her against flirting with Arnold’s secretary. Dorothy adopts a demure demeanor to appease her mother and Arnold. During a moonlit stroll, Dorothy tries to persuade Arnold to promise a more adventurous married life, but he resists, valuing the dignity of their ancestral home. The chapter ends with Dorothy failing to convince Arnold and feeling furious but controlling her temper.
Chapter 7: Missing!
The next morning, Arnold is missing. Leila informs Dorothy, who is initially unconcerned. The household is in disarray, with servants and guests puzzled by Arnold’s disappearance. The burglar alarm was set, and there were no signs of Arnold leaving the house. Dorothy suggests he might have gone to New York, but the group is skeptical. A thorough search of the house and grounds reveals no trace of Arnold.
Chapter 8: The Search
The group discusses possible explanations for Arnold’s disappearance. Malony, the night watchman, confirms that Arnold couldn’t have left the grounds undetected. The group speculates whether Arnold left for a plausible reason or if the servants are hiding something. Chapin insists it’s not a mystery unless Arnold is gone for an unreasonable time. The group decides to investigate further, with Miss Wadsworth and Chapin showing deep concern, while Dorothy remains convinced that Arnold’s absence is not alarming.
Chapter 9: Not Found
The group discusses the possibility of Arnold’s disappearance being due to a plausible errand. Fred Crane is keen on detective work, while Miss Abby and Mrs. Duncan suggest calling in an electrical expert and a doctor to check the burglar alarm and Arnold’s health. Mabel Crane raises the possibility of suicide, causing a tense moment. Dorothy, defending Arnold’s character, becomes emotional. The chapter ends with a suggestion to notify Arnold’s lawyers, Gale and Crosby, about his disappearance.
Chapter 10: Dorothy’s Promise
The arrival of the doctor and electrical expert deepens the mystery, as both confirm that Arnold could not have left the house undetected and was in good health. The group debates various theories, including a secret passage and foul play. Dorothy and Chapin share a private conversation, hinting at a romantic tension and a mysterious scene from the previous night. Dorothy’s mother warns her against flirting with Chapin. The chapter closes with Dorothy admitting her love for Chapin and her lack of love for Arnold.
Chapter 11: Flirtation
Dorothy dresses early and overhears Mabel and Leila discussing her flirtatious behavior. Crosby arrives, and Dorothy engages in playful banter with him, despite her heart belonging to Chapin. Crosby declares his love for Dorothy, but she remains non-committal. The arrival of Gale and Crosby is discussed, with hopes of finding Arnold. The chapter ends with Dorothy and Crosby flirting on the South Terrace while the group awaits news from the Philadelphia lawyers.
Chapter 12: A Check Stub
The decision is made to engage a professional detective. Gale, Crosby, and Chapin review Arnold’s business papers and discover a check made out to Chapin for $5,000, dated the day of Arnold’s disappearance. Chapin’s evasive responses raise suspicions. The chapter concludes with the group deciding to turn on the burglar alarm for the night and Dorothy expressing her worry about Arnold’s whereabouts.
Chapter 13: The Detective
Leila suspects a missing sofa pillow is connected to Arnold’s disappearance. Detective James Wheeler arrives and immediately takes charge, dismissing Fred Crane’s offer to assist. Wheeler prefers to gather facts in his own way and questions Emory Gale about Arnold’s habits. He concludes that Arnold, last seen in an evening dress, is still in the house, as no hat or coat is missing. Wheeler decides to conduct a thorough search of the house.
Chapter 14: Found!
The search through the house reveals no sign of Arnold. In the cellar, Wheeler discovers Arnold’s body in an old bake oven, dressed in evening clothes, with a sofa pillow bound to his chest. The pillow, missing from the library, suggests Arnold was stabbed there. Gale and Wheeler agree to handle the situation delicately and notify the coroner.
Chapter 15: The Scarlet Sage
The household reacts to Arnold’s murder. Wheeler continues the investigation, considering the possibility of an intruder or a household member as the murderer. Miss Wadsworth insists on employing Wheeler to find the killer. Dr. Gaspard reveals he found a sprig of scarlet sage in Arnold’s hand, which could be a clue.
Chapter 16: The Coroner’s Questions
Coroner Fiske conducts a preliminary investigation, questioning everyone about their whereabouts on the night of the murder. Chapin admits to seeing Arnold after midnight to receive a check, making him the last known person to see Arnold alive. Dorothy denies coming downstairs late at night, despite Mabel’s claim of seeing her. The investigation reveals tensions and suspicions among the household members.
Chapter 17: The Weapon
During a tense evening, the household discusses Arnold’s will, revealing legacies for Miss Wadsworth, Chapin, and the servants, with the rest of the estate left to Campbell Crosby. Dorothy’s mother warns her against Crosby, who has always been in love with her. Dorothy admits to herself that she loves Chapin, despite his strange behavior. Crosby suggests a united front at the inquest, suspecting an outsider for the murder. Dorothy and Leila confront each other about telling the truth at the inquest, with Gale overhearing their conversation.
Chapter 18: The Inquest
The inquest begins with the coroner questioning the household. Chapin admits to receiving a $5,000 check from Arnold but refuses to disclose the reason. The butler, Driggs, reveals he saw Arnold and Chapin arguing angrily on the night of the murder. Jane, a chambermaid, notes that Chapin’s room appeared packed for departure, but his belongings were later unpacked. Chapin explains he planned to leave after a dispute with Arnold but stayed due to Arnold’s disappearance.
Chapter 19: Dorothy’s Disclosures
Dorothy admits to being with Arnold after Chapin left, challenging the assumption that Chapin was the last to see Arnold alive. She reveals their quarrel and her unsuccessful plea for Arnold to reconcile with Chapin. The coroner suggests Dorothy’s motive for murder could be Arnold’s scolding, leading to her fainting. Chapin then confesses to the murder, claiming he acted alone, but the coroner remains skeptical, suspecting Dorothy’s involvement.
Chapter 20: Fleming Stone
Dorothy resolves to prove Chapin’s innocence and seeks the help of renowned detective Fleming Stone. Despite initial reluctance, Stone agrees to take the case after an emotional plea from Dorothy. She convinces him of Chapin’s innocence and Stone, intrigued by the challenge, commits to finding the real murderer.
Chapter 21: The Key of the Mystery
Dorothy expresses her joy and faith in Fleming Stone, who reassures her of her innocence in the case. Stone questions Dorothy about the scarlet sage boutonniere and dismisses its significance. He points out the improbability of Ernest Chapin’s guilt, based on Chapin’s actions and statements. Stone hints at having a direction for the investigation but needs to examine the crime scene at White Birches.
Chapter 22: The White Alley
Stone begins his investigation at White Birches, examining various parts of the house and grounds. He finds a prestolite key near the wall, which he believes is crucial to the case. Stone explains his theory of the intruder’s entry and exit through a secret shaft in the chimney, using a rope ladder and fish-line. He reconstructs the night of the crime, suggesting the intruder was familiar with the house from childhood. Stone’s findings lead him to suspect someone who would benefit from Arnold’s death and had the physical ability to execute the crime.
Chapter 23: Confession
Campbell Crosby reacts angrily to Stone’s accusations but eventually confesses to the murder of Justin Arnold. He explains his motives, driven by love for Dorothy and resentment towards Arnold. Crosby reveals that he has taken poison during his confession and expresses no desire for forgiveness, only stating that he acted for Dorothy’s sake. The novel ends with Crosby’s tragic demise.