Hand and Ring · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

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Chapter 1
Book I: The Gentleman from Toledo
The story opens with the introduction of Mr. Byrd, a young man from Toledo who has come to Sibley's boarding house in New York. He is immediately struck by the beauty and melancholy of Miss Imogene Dare, another boarder. The household is soon thrown into turmoil when Widow Clemmens, a neighbor, is found brutally attacked. Mr. Byrd, along with Mr. Gryce, begins to investigate the crime, and a diamond ring is discovered at the scene, leading to the arrest of Mr. Hildreth. Despite the evidence, Mr. Byrd begins to doubt Hildreth's guilt and decides to search the nearby woods for more clues.
Chapter 2
I: A Startling Coincidence
In the town of Sibley, court has adjourned and Judge Evans, District Attorney Ferris, Mr. Lord, and Mr. Orcutt discuss crime and criminals. A mysterious humpbacked stranger interjects with a theory on how to commit the perfect murder, using a hypothetical scenario of an old woman killed in her home. Moments later, Mr. Orcutt, who had gone to his usual dinner at the Widow Clemmens' cottage, rushes back to announce that she has been found attacked, mirroring the stranger's tale. The group rushes to the scene, discovering the widow alive but gravely injured. Ferris immediately suspects the stranger and sends Byrd to find the constable.
Chapter 3
II: An Appeal to Heaven
As the widow Clemmens lies dying, her words of vengeance cast a pall over the house. Miss Imogene Dare, who has arrived at the scene, claims a ring found at the crime scene as her own, baffling the young detective Mr. Byrd. The dying woman's final utterances, 'Hand! ring!' and her curse, deepen the mystery and create a sense of dread among the gathered officials.
Chapter 4
IV: Imogene
This chapter delves into the background of Imogene Dare, revealing her origins as a foundling who rose through various circumstances to become a commanding presence in Mr. Orcutt's household. After the day's tragic events, Mr. Orcutt confronts Imogene about her desire to leave for Buffalo and her intense reaction to the widow's murder. His suspicions and fears lead him to propose marriage as a test of her character, but her ambiguous response and mysterious demeanor leave him with more questions than answers.
Chapter 5
V: Horace Byrd
This chapter introduces Horace Byrd, a gentleman by birth who, after his father's death, is forced to find work and becomes a secret detective for the New York police under Mr. Gryce. He is sent to Sibley to assist District Attorney Ferris in the investigation of the attack on Widow Clemmens. At the train station, Byrd sees Miss Dare leaving town, which unsettles him and makes him question his earlier relief about her involvement. He then meets with Mr. Ferris, who shares details about the inquest, the widow's reclusive life, and the lack of clear suspects, though a tramp and a hunchback are possibilities.

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Book I: The Gentleman from Toledo

I: A Startling Coincidence

II: An Appeal to Heaven

IV: Imogene

V: Horace Byrd