45 pages • 1 hour read
Patricia HighsmithA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Guy has secured the Palmyra commission, and is about to leave for Metcalf after his time with Anne. He looks forward to six months work, which will give him the money for his divorce and house with Anne. The couple discuss designs for their new house, before the telephone rings and Guy's mother reports Miriam's murder. Guy departs immediately for Metcalf, and Bruno's face enters his mind.
On the plane, Guy debates whether the murderer was Bruno or Miriam's lover. He is met at the airport by a plain clothes officer and questioned by inquisitive press at the courthouse. Guy reads about the murder in the local newspaper. He receives a letter from Bruno, and a message on a taxi company card, which reads "nice town Metcalf" (94). Anne calls and he tells her everything, bar Bruno. It transpires that Owen Markham had not wanted to marry Miriam and that she miscarried after an accident.
Guy, Owen and the amusement park party are questioned in court. Owen says he thinks Guy wanted Miriam dead. After some debate over the miscarriage and divorce, the court concludes that the murder was committed by someone unknown. Guy receives an unsigned telegram wishing him the best, which he tells his mother is from the Faulkners, but which he knows is from Bruno.
By Patricia Highsmith