The D’Arblay Mystery · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The D’Arblay Mystery by R. Austin Freeman.

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Chapter 1
The Pool in the Wood
Stephen Gray, a young doctor, discovers the body of a man in a shallow pond in Churchyard Bottom Wood. He encounters the victim's daughter, Marion D'Arblay, who had been searching for her missing father. The police arrive, and an inspector questions both Stephen and Marion. The body is identified as Julius D'Arblay, a modeller from Ivy Cottage. The circumstances of the death are mysterious, as the water is too shallow for accidental drowning, leading to speculation about suicide or foul play.
Chapter 2
A Conference with Dr. Thorndyke
Stephen Gray, having discovered the body of Julius D'Arblay and met his daughter Marion, seeks the advice of his former teacher Dr. Thorndyke on the mysterious death. Thorndyke agrees to investigate, arranging to attend the postmortem and inquest. The chapter also covers Gray's new locum tenens position with Dr. Cornish, and ends with tea and conversation at Thorndyke's chambers.
Chapter 3
III: The Doctor's Revelations
Stephen Gray attends the inquest into Julius D'Arblay's death, where he supports Marion D'Arblay. The coroner hears evidence from Gray and Marion, and the official medical examiner reveals that D'Arblay died from aconitine poisoning injected into his back, making suicide impossible and pointing to murder.
Chapter 4
Mr. Bendelow
Stephen Gray, acting as locum tenens for Dr. Cornish, receives a summons to visit a patient named Morris in Hoxton. Upon arrival, he discovers the patient is actually Mr. Bendelow, a man suffering from terminal cancer attended by Mrs. Morris and her husband. Gray examines the emaciated, morphia-drowsy Bendelow, confirming the diagnosis made by Dr. Cropper, and feels his role is merely perfunctory.
Chapter 5
Inspector Follett’s Discovery
Inspector Follett shares with Stephen Gray the discovery of a coin and other items from the pond near the murder scene. Gray takes wax impressions of the coin and sends them to Dr. Thorndyke, hoping for his insight. Gray also reflects on his desire to consult Thorndyke about the case and encounters Dr. Solomon Usher, an old acquaintance.

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The Pool in the Wood

A Conference with Dr. Thorndyke

III: The Doctor's Revelations

Mr. Bendelow

Inspector Follett’s Discovery