The Only One Left

In Interlude 14, the typist continues her story. On October 29, Ricky and Virginia planned to wait until 10 p.m. Then, they would steal one of her father’s Packard cars and escape. As Virginia packed, Lenora appeared and discovered Virginia’s very advanced pregnancy. Virginia pleaded with her sister, but Lenora locked Virginia in her room. Stress sent Virginia into early labor.

In the present, Kit confronts Mrs. Baker, calling her Lenora. “Mrs. Baker” confirms: She is indeed Lenora Hope. Lenora claims that on the night of the murders, she went downstairs, found Winston and Evangeline dead, and called the police. Only afterward did she find Virginia. She removed the chair Virginia used to hang herself before the police arrived. Lenora believes Virginia killed their parents, but surprises Kit by stressing that Virginia had every right to do so after what they had done to her. Lenora later bribed Dr. Walden to declare Virginia dead. At 18, Lenora secured their inheritance, began calling Virginia “Lenora,” passed herself off as Miss Baker, and left for Europe. She returned before the outbreak of World War II.

In an Interlude, Virginia recalls giving birth on the floor of her bedroom. Their father forbade Lenora from letting Virginia hold her son, threatening to disown both daughters and toss his grandson off the cliff.