The Visit to Doctor Baker

Follows the journey to consult Doctor Baker, whose revelation about Rebecca's terminal illness provides the motive for her suicide and defuses the blackmail threat.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Diary Entry

The Clue The Engagement Diary Mrs Danvers brought Rebecca's engagement diary. It showed an appointment with "Baker" at 2 p.m. on the day she died. The Telephone Number The diary also had a telephone number: Museum 0488. Frank Crawley called and learned that Baker was a doctor. The Decision Colonel Julyan decided they must visit Doctor Baker to find out why Rebecca had seen him. This could provide the motive for her suicide.

The Journey to Barnet

The Car Ride The Party Maxim, the narrator, Colonel Julyan, and Favell drove to Barnet. The journey was long and tense. Favell followed in his own car. The Search They had trouble finding the house. Colonel Julyan asked directions. Finally, they found Roselands, a square ivy-covered house. The Wait They waited in the drawing-room while Doctor Baker finished his tennis. The narrator felt a strange calm. The truth was about to come out.

The Doctor's Revelation

The Truth The Appointment Doctor Baker checked his files. He remembered a patient who called herself Mrs Danvers—tall, dark, handsome. It was Rebecca. The Diagnosis He told them Rebecca had terminal cancer. She would have been in great pain within months. An operation was useless. The Motive This explained her despair—and her manipulation. She had wanted Maxim to kill her. The note to Favell was to tell him the news. The verdict of suicide was justified.

The Aftermath

The Relief Favell's Defeat Favell's blackmail attempt collapsed. He had no leverage. Colonel Julyan warned him to stay away. The Suggestion Colonel Julyan suggested Maxim and the narrator go abroad to avoid gossip. They agreed. The Peace For the first time, the narrator felt at peace. Rebecca's final joke had been to make Maxim her murderer, but the truth set them free. They could start anew.

Evening after the inquest

Day after the inquest

Late afternoon, at Doctor Baker's house

After leaving Doctor Baker's house