Analyzing Part 3:

Chapter 7 - The Identity of Mary Debenham

Overview of the chapter:
Mary Debenham is called into the dining car. Poirot asks why she lied and concealed the fact that
she was living in the Armstrong house at the time of the murder. Mary admits this is true; she had
to hide her true identity so new families would hire her. She was afraid that if people found out she
had any connection to the Armstrongs they might not hire her. Mary tells Poirot she did not
recognize Countess Adrenyi, three years has passed since she last saw the Countess and she looked
much different. Mary breaks down in tears and Colonel Arbuthnot, still in the room, threatens
Poirot. The couple leave the dining car. M.Bouc is, again, astonished at Poirot’s abilities, he cannot
figure out how he knew Mary worked at the Amrstrong house. Poirot tells M.Bouc he knew it was
Mary because the Countess tried so hard to protect her. The Countess described her governess as a
big, red-haired woman – the exact opposite of Mary. The Countess, thinking of Debenham, told
Poirot the name of her Governess was Freebody. In London there is a story named Debenham and
Freebody – it was the first name she thought of.
Main points of information:
• Mary Debenham used to work at the Amrstrong house up until the murder, and
lied about it because she didn’t want anybody to know or to associate her with
the Amrstrong family.
• Countess Adrenyi also lied about Mary Debenhan’s true identity, but got caught
in her lie when Poirot figured out she was protecting Mary’s true identity.

►Mary Debenham was related to the Armstrong case, and so would

be considered a valid suspect in the murder of Ratchett.