The Circular Staircase · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart.

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Chapter 1
I: I Take a Country House
Rachel Innes, a middle-aged spinster, recounts how she decided to leave her comfortable city life and rent a country house called Sunnyside for the summer with her niece Gertrude and nephew Halsey. Despite initial peace, the household quickly falls into chaos as servants leave one by one, and the new butler Thomas Johnson warns of strange occurrences. Rachel finds herself isolated and responsible for the large, eerie house.
Chapter 2
II: A Link Cuff-Button
After a terrifying first night at Sunnyside, Rachel Innes and Liddy Allen are unnerved by strange noises and a mysterious figure at the window. Liddy insists it was a man in a long coat, not a woman. The lights go out at midnight, and a metallic clatter echoes through the house. Rachel discovers a small pearl-and-ruby cufflink in a linen hamper blocking the east-wing stairs, which she recognizes as not belonging to Halsey. She hires a new housekeeper, Anne Watson, and decides to investigate further despite her fears.
Chapter 3
III: Mr. John Bailey Appears
Rachel Innes hosts a dinner and awaits the arrival of her niece Gertrude and nephew Halsey, who bring along a guest, Jack Bailey. After a tense evening marked by Thomas's superstitious fears and a stopped clock, a gunshot awakens the household at three in the morning. Rachel and Gertrude discover a dead man in the cardroom, whom Gertrude initially mistakes for Jack.
Chapter 4
Where Is Halsey?
After the discovery of Arnold Armstrong's murder, Rachel Innes is questioned by Mr. Jarvis about Halsey's whereabouts. Gertrude reacts with shock to a pearl cufflink found by Rachel. The household is in turmoil, and Rachel finds Halsey's revolver buried in a tulip bed, but the cufflink she had hidden disappears.
Chapter 5
V: Gertrude's Engagement
The coroner and two detectives arrive to investigate Arnold Armstrong's murder. Rachel Innes gives a carefully crafted statement to the coroner, omitting certain details. Detective Jamieson questions Rachel about Halsey and Jack Bailey's whereabouts, revealing inconsistencies. Gertrude intervenes, confessing she was present in the billiard-room at the time of the murder and that she is engaged to Jack Bailey. She describes the events leading up to the shooting, including Halsey and Jack's hasty departure after a phone call. Jamieson notes the charred cigar and cigarette left behind, and the stopped hall clock. The chapter ends with Rachel pondering the mysteries of Halsey's revolver, the cufflink, and Gertrude's forgotten item.

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I: I Take a Country House

II: A Link Cuff-Button

III: Mr. John Bailey Appears

Where Is Halsey?

V: Gertrude's Engagement