Crime Classics 53-06-22 002 The Shockingly Peaceful Passing of Thomas Edwin Bartlett

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: Crime Classics 53-06-22 002 The Shockingly Peaceful Passing of Thomas Edwin Bartlett

Release Date: April 11, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled Crime Classics 53-06-22 002 The Shockingly Peaceful Passing of Thomas Edwin Bartlett, host Thomas Hyland delves into a mysterious and serene death that unfurls into a complex tale of love, betrayal, and possible murder in late 19th-century Pimlico, England. Through meticulous narration and dramatic reenactments, the story unravels the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of Thomas Edwin Bartlett, exploring the intricate relationships between him, his young wife Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire, and her enigmatic tutor George Dyson.

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Setting and Characters

Pimlico, England, 1885

• Thomas Edwin Bartlett: A dedicated grocer and a loving husband who appears serene and deeply committed to his wife’s education.
• Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire: A 16-year-old student, bright and eager in subjects like geography, history, and botany, yet struggling with algebra.
• George Dyson: A 21-year-old tutor proficient in the three Rs and chemistry, whose interest in Adelaide extends beyond professional boundaries.

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The Marriage and Early Harmony

Thomas Edwin Bartlett marries Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire, a young and studious girl who continues her education under the guidance of George Dyson. Their household showcases a harmonious blend of domestic life and academic pursuit. Adelaide excels academically, excelling in mathematics with Dyson's tutelage, which fosters a close-knit bond between the tutor and student.

Notable Interaction:

• [05:01] Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire: "But of course. Monsieur Barnois."
• [13:08] Thomas Hyland: "Passion in Pimlico."

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Conflict and Rising Tension

Despite the outward harmony, underlying tensions surface as Adelaide grapples with her academic challenges and marital responsibilities. Bartlett, though loving, becomes increasingly neglectful, retreating into his duties at the grocery store and offering minimal support for Adelaide’s studies. Adelaide's frustration grows, leading to emotional distress and a desire to escape her constrained life.

Notable Exchange:

• [07:05] Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire: "I do not wish it anymore. I do not wish school."
• [07:24] Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire: "I do not wish to be a school girl. Wife. What? A woman. Wife. A mother. Wife."

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The Chloroform Plot Unveiled

George Dyson, leveraging his knowledge of chemistry, introduces Adelaide to chloroform, a potent chemical capable of inducing deep sleep or even death. Initially presented as a remedy for Thomas’s persistent stomach ailments, chloroform becomes a pivotal element in the narrative, raising suspicions about Dyson’s true intentions.

Discussion on Chloroform:

• [14:10] George Dyson: "Chloroform is a colorless, heavy and volatile liquid having a peculiar ethereal aura which cannot be perceived."
• [14:19] Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire: "Can cause death."

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The Night of Death

On New Year's Eve, amidst a quiet celebration marked by indulgent consumption of champagne, Thomas Bartlett succumbs to chloroform poisoning. The circumstances of his death are notably peaceful and undramatic, leading to bewilderment and subsequent investigation.

Key Moment:

• [23:20] Thomas Edwin Bartlett: "Drink."

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The Investigation and Trial

A post-mortem examination reveals a significant presence of chloroform in Bartlett’s system, prompting a coroner's inquiry. Adelaide Bartlett and George Dyson become the primary suspects, facing accusations of willful murder. During the trial, both parties vehemently proclaim their innocence:

• George Dyson's Testimony:

  • [27:07] "I use the chemical merely to clean spots from my clothing. I believe neatness is next to righteousness."

• Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire's Testimony:

  • [27:46] "I loved my husband. He encouraged me to pursue studies of various kinds and decided to please him."

After deliberations, the jury returns a verdict of not guilty, leaving the true nature of Bartlett’s death shrouded in mystery.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with lingering questions about the fates of Adelaide and George post-trial. Whether the chloroform was a mere accident, a misguided attempt at helping, or a premeditated act remains unresolved. The story underscores themes of ambition, control, and the dark undercurrents that can lie beneath seemingly peaceful exteriors.

Final Reflection:

• [28:28] Thomas Hyland: "It may be safe to assume that some of the dust breathed by the Pimlicans on evening walks has been contributed by George and Adelaide and Mr. Bartlett."

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Notable Quotes

• Thomas Hyland:

  • [00:32] "Tonight my report to you on the shockingly peaceful passing of Thomas Edwin Bartlett."
  • [11:29] "Oh, wow. Bravo."

• Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire:

  • [07:05] "I do not wish it anymore. I do not wish school."
  • [23:07] "I have had enough drink."
  • [25:00] "Oh, you confess it now, do you not? That I am a woman. An attractive woman yet. And finally a wife."

• George Dyson:

  • [09:24] "If X minus 1 equals 0, then X is equal to 1."
  • [17:20] "I've noticed something. Not your husband? He looks poorly."

• Thomas Edwin Bartlett:

  • [19:55] "You're a good fellow, Adelaide. Don't worry about me."

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Production Credits

• Adaptation: Morton Fine and David Friedkin
• Music: Bernard Herman
• Production and Direction: Elliot Lewis
• Voice Cast:
  • Thomas Hyland: Lou Merrill
  • Thomas Edwin Bartlett: Herb Butterfield
  • Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire: Betty Harford
  • George Dyson: Terry Kilburn

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Closing Remarks

Crime Classics 53-06-22 002 The Shockingly Peaceful Passing of Thomas Edwin Bartlett masterfully blends historical ambiance with a suspenseful narrative, inviting listeners to ponder the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Bartlett's death. Through evocative storytelling and rich character development, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of true crime narratives from the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

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[Thomas Hyland]

Good evening. This is Crime Classics. I am Thomas Hyland. Listen. The man you hear breathing is named Thomas Edwin Bartlett. Is in bed and sleeping, breathing deep the night air of Pimlico, England. Mr. Bartlett is a heavy sleeper, a deep breather, too, rhythmical and serene, an almost lullaby quality for young Mrs. Adelaide Bartlett, his wife, who this night sleeps at the foot of his bed, rhythmical, serene and just. At the stroke of midnight, just when a new year has begun, Mr. Bartlett stops breathing. Mr. Bartlett has just died from having drunk too much chloroform, of all things. His wife, waking, sees it is a new year and celebrates. Tonight my report to you on the shockingly peaceful passing of Thomas Edwin Bartlett.

[Narrator]

Greenbrush Crime Classics, a new series of true crime stories taken from the records and newspapers of every land, from every time. Your Host each week, Mr. Thomas Hyland, connoisseur of crime, student of violence and teller of murder. Now once again, Thomas Hyland.

[Thomas Hyland]

When you heard Mr. Bartlett die. It was New Year's Eve in the year 1885. Some years before, before this one springtime, when Mr. Bartlett was breathing 100% perfect. He had responded to the delicate scent of a young French girl, and the aroma went right to his heart. He was suddenly in love with Adelaide, Blanche de La Tremoire, age 16.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Adelaide, stop skipping rope. I'm talking to you.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You made me miss.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

You shouldn't say zut, my dear. It's an immodest expression.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Zut. Zut. Zut. Zut.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I'm sorry I made you miss. I apologize.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I accept. And now, will you do something for me?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Anything.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Of this you are sure?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Anything. I swear it.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Bons. Take this rope and tie an end of it to the trees and hold the other end and turn it and I will jump.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Don't you ever get enough of the sport loot?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Tie the rope.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Very well. Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Oui?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Do you like me?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Oh, very much. However.

[George Dyson]

What?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You puzzle me.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Intrigue you?

[George Dyson]

You mean?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I'm glad.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Puzzle me? Why you put this time gone to fish and your grocery store this Last when it is not so. You are here every afternoon in my yard when I come home from school.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I have permission from your brother. Edith Head.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You have finished tying the rope?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Yes.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Evil Play. Turn it. Faster. Faster. Faster.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Oh, my dear Adelaide. Are you hurt? Here, I lift you.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Yes, yes. Help me. I'm so tangled in the rope.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Why, you are very nice.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Adelaide, listen.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I like your beard. A black beard. Barbe Noir. Barb moi.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Oh, Adelaide, my dear, Will you marry me?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Marry you?

[George Dyson]

Yes.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

But I am still in school.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Marry me and it will be the same. You'll still go to school and you.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Will help me with my lessons every night. And you'll play games with me and jump rope with me.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I want to.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I will turn and you will jump. Now?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Now?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Now.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

All right. Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Oui?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Will you marry me?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

But of course. Monsieur Barnois.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

They're delayed.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Oui.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Turn the rope. Faster. Faster. Faster.

[Thomas Hyland]

Passion in Pimlico. Participants Thomas Edwin Bartlett and Adelaide Blanche de la Tremoire. And the good quality skipping rope, which, latter it might be mentioned, came from the shelves of Mr. Bartlett's grocery store, and which, coiled neatly, was his first gift to her. It was a springtime romance and an honorable one. They got married, and according to Mr. Bartlett's word, the marriage progressed to each one's satisfaction. Mr. Bartlett continued at the grocery store, and Adelaide was still a student. It is a matter of record that she was a good student in the subjects of geography, history and botany. But it is also a matter of record that one day she brought home with her a note from her teacher.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Dear Mr. Bartlett, here is your wife's last examination paper in algebra. As you see, the grade is 43. Her square roots are especially weak, as are her solving equations with two unknowns. Something must be done, else your spouse will not pass into the next form. Sincerely, Edgar Becker, esquire.ph I will be glad to tutor your spouse after school hours. Then ye be the squire. Adelaide, why are you crying?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I am not a good wife.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

You are wrong, my dear. I am not a good husband. I should have been helping you with your algebra, but you help me so.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Much with my lessons, and you get tired and you go to your room and sleep. Oh, husband.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Yes?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I do not wish it anymore. I do not wish school.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I want your school and Mr. Becker to be proud of you. No, my dear. What's the matter?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I do not wish to be a school girl. Wife. What? A woman. Wife. A mother. Wife.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

You're so young.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Listen to me.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

A grade of 43 is nothing to fret over by my cousin Sybil from Nottingham. Received 23 on her.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Listen to me.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

No, child. You listen to me. I failed you. I made you ashamed of yourself. And now I'll make amends.

[George Dyson]

How?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I will find you a tutor.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

A tutor?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Not Mr. Becker.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

A husband. Yes, child, whatever you say.

[Thomas Hyland]

Trouble in Pimlico? Simply this. The girl wanted to grow up and her husband wouldn't let her. He told her she'd grow up soon enough. But right now she should play and run and scamper. This period in the married life of Thomas and Adelab was marked by two events. The first, his presenting her upon her birthday were the game of the mind domino, hand carved, imported from Persia. The second, a tutor, a veritable quiz in algebra, imported from Bristol. A young man of 21 accomplished in the three Rs and other branches of learning. He doted on chemistry, for instance, and one report has it that he was forever indulging himself with practical jokes at the school with chloroform. They say his headmaster constantly fell asleep while admonishing him. His name.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

George Dyson. Adelaide, your tutor. This is my wife, Adelaide, at your service.

[George Dyson]

Here is your book. Open it to page one. A minus one equals zero. Therefore A equals one. Do you understand that?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

No.

[George Dyson]

Sit by me. I'll teach you.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I'll leave you Two alone.

[George Dyson]

Now.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Mr. Dyson.

[George Dyson]

Yes?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You are very young.

[George Dyson]

You are very pretty. She told me, since the minus quality of 1 changes to a positive quality as you transpose the integer to the right side of the equation. Mark. It is obvious then, If X minus 1 equals 0, then X is equal to 1.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Quite obvious indeed. You are a very good tutor.

[George Dyson]

Did your husband tell you I was to live here?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Yes. Yes, he did.

[George Dyson]

Yes. X minus 2 is equal to 0. What does X equal 2? I'm proud of you.

[Thomas Hyland]

Examination time came around and Adelaide was at the head of her class.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

A squared plus B squared is equal to C squared.

[Thomas Hyland]

In the next form she shown, algebra was her strongest subject. One day, Mr. Becker was astounded when Adelaide stood right up in class and.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Said, the cube root of a cube minus 3a squared b plus 3ab squared minus b cubed is a minus b be.

[Thomas Hyland]

Then came geometry. George was also a whiz at this. More so.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

George, cher tutor.

[George Dyson]

Stop that. Pay attention to your lesson.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

George, please.

[George Dyson]

Please what?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Please kiss me first.

[George Dyson]

The theorem.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Two triangles are congruent when the two sides and the included angle are coincident. Please kiss me.

[George Dyson]

All right.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

How do I earn my next kiss?

[Thomas Hyland]

Higher mathematics in Pimlico onto trigonometry and the Euclid wife and tutor, caught up in the mysteries of logarithms and signs and cotangents and secants. There were field trips, too, to the garden, because George Dyson, tutor, believed in practical application of theory. This particular late afternoon, they were endeavoring to determine the height of the flag pole in the garden, using the length and angle of the shadow cast by the pole as points of reference. It was a fine afternoon in the fall. Now it was an afternoon to be young.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Kiss me.

[George Dyson]

You always ask me to do that.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Athlete, and you always do. Kiss me.

[George Dyson]

Suppose your husband should walk out here and see us.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

He knows about us.

[George Dyson]

You're joking.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Why not? He knows, surely. Oh, do not worry. He is me.

[George Dyson]

All right.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

What a lovely picture. What a Lovely, awesome picture, Mr. Bartlett.

[George Dyson]

Of course.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Kiss her, Mr. Dyson. You deserve it. You both deserve it. Master and puke. You've done so well together. Go on, Dyson, kiss her.

[George Dyson]

Go on, kiss her.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Yes.

[Thomas Hyland]

Oh, wow. Bravo.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

How's trigonometry coming, Dyson?

[George Dyson]

Fine, fine, fine.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Well, Cook said dinner will be ready soon. I'll call you when it is.

[George Dyson]

Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

What?

[George Dyson]

Don't you find your husband?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

He's a boor.

[George Dyson]

But I mean, strange what happened just now.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

He is a bore and I despise him.

[George Dyson]

He's your husband. You shouldn't speak like that about him.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I'm sorry. He's my husband.

[George Dyson]

What would you do if he weren't?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You know.

[George Dyson]

I know. I want you to tell me the.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Things we talked about. If they weren't my husband.

[George Dyson]

I want to tell you something about me you didn't know.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Adelaide, please do.

[George Dyson]

I was quite a chemistry student, too. I could teach chemistry if I wanted to.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

That is very interesting.

[George Dyson]

Chloroform, for instance, is a chemical.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Chloroform. I've heard of it.

[George Dyson]

It belongs to the class of neurotic chemicals which act on the brain and produce loss of sensation.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Can cause death.

[George Dyson]

Carelessly used, it can cause death.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Then it is a poison.

[George Dyson]

Let's stroll in the garden.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I want to.

[George Dyson]

Chloroform is a colorless, heavy and volatile liquid having a peculiar ethereal aura which cannot be perceived.

[Thomas Hyland]

And so they walked hand in hand into the sunset and they spoke of many things. Husbands, autumn roses, cabbages, kings. And chloroform, which is a very deadly poison.

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[Thomas Hyland]

Pimlico, England is noted in a small way for the color of its sunset. A quality which some malcontents have attributed to the quality of the dust in the Pimlico air. However, it's well known that the major divertisements among Timlicans walking into the local sunset and making plans so as not to defy custom. So walked Adelaide and her tutor George.

[George Dyson]

You are very dear to me, Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Oh, this I know. But it is not the time to speak of it. We were speaking of other things.

[George Dyson]

I used to have fun with chloroform when I went to school. Is it difficult to obtain in large quantities? It is, however.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

However what?

[George Dyson]

It can be obtained that there's a difficulty. Oh, it has a peculiar odor. It's easily detectable. It'd be almost impossible to get someone to drink it.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Unless someone wanted to drink it.

[George Dyson]

Who would want to?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Some people, I suppose. Yes, George.

[George Dyson]

I've noticed something. Not your husband? He looks poorly.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

He suffers. Sometimes at night he comes to my bedroom and tells me how much he suffers.

[George Dyson]

From what?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

He's bilious.

[George Dyson]

Oh, poor man.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

He complains of his stomach.

[George Dyson]

I thought perhaps that is it.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

And nervous depression. At night. Sometimes he sits in my room, depressed.

[George Dyson]

His stomach.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

The doctors have told him that.

[George Dyson]

Has he tried mercury?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Mercury?

[George Dyson]

Much easier to obtain than chloroform. I could stop at the apothecary's after dinner.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Do stop. His stomach is much worse after dinner.

[George Dyson]

I'm hungry. Let us to dinner. Adeline.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Give me your arms, dear George.

[Thomas Hyland]

The maid servant, was just setting the suckling pig on the table when the young folk entered. Mr. Bartlett greeted them with a wave of his fork and they said the dinner was a success. And as usual, Mr. Bartlett exhibited his clean plate for the applause of his wife and her tutor. Over fruit and cheese, George Dyson begged to be excused.

[George Dyson]

I'll be back in a shake, Mr. About it with a surprise for you.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Slice another melon for me, dear Adelaide.

[Thomas Hyland]

And in half an hour George returned, which was good time for the course. The house to the apothecary and back. But George was in A hurry. And when he returned, Adelaide was waiting for him in the great hall.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Quickly. Come.

[George Dyson]

What's the matter?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

After dinner, he almost fainted. He managed to get into the library where he's lying down.

[George Dyson]

His stomach.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Melon slice.

[George Dyson]

Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett. Here, I have something for you.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

What? What is it?

[George Dyson]

Here, now. Let me help you. Sit up. Adelaide. That wine glass bottle. I have something for you, Mr. Bartis. Something that will make you feel better.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

What is it?

[George Dyson]

The surprise I promised you to make your stomach feel much better.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Josh was very good in chemistry at school.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

You're a good fellow, George.

[George Dyson]

Drink it.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Odd stuff. Here. Can't drink anymore.

[George Dyson]

I leave it here beside you. Sip it when you can. You'll see that when you develop a taste for it, it will be very beneficial.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

You're a good fellow, Adelaide. Don't worry about me. You have your things to do?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Yes. George and I have our lessons.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I wouldn't interrupt them for the world. Go, George. A delay.

[George Dyson]

We'll look in on you later, Mr. Bartlett. In an hour.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Good fellow. Good. Good. Hello.

[Thomas Hyland]

Mr. Bartlett's stomach quieted after a while. And lying there, he had a thought that perhaps it was George's surprise that did it. So he forced himself to sip again of the glass. However, in time, Mr. Bartlett did develop a taste for mercury and made it a habit to indulge in a sip after every meal. Somehow his stomach responded suitably and his complaints were not nearly so many. Of course, it should be noted that Mr. Bartlett would reel suddenly and fall down at odd times. And then he was constantly bumping into things and his teeth dropped out. Some of his more observant friends would mutter among themselves about Mr. Bartlett's slightly bluish complexion. One morning, Mr. Bartlett woke up completely beardless. And from that day on, he never had to shaves. But since generally his stomach felt much better, Mr. Bartlett deemed himself ahead of the game. A philosophy which caused comment. Adelaide, the joy.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

My husband seems happier.

[George Dyson]

Yes, I've noticed.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

My stomach has improved.

[George Dyson]

Because he doesn't eat so much?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Because he lacks sufficient teeth.

[George Dyson]

Your husband has developed a tolerance for mercury.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Yes, Mr. Dyson.

[George Dyson]

Mr. Dyson. I mean George.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

When will you be finished tutoring me, Mr. Dyson?

[George Dyson]

What do you mean?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Tomorrow, I should think. Mr. Dyson.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

What?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Tomorrow is the eve of the New Year. My husband has asked me to join him in private celebration in his rooms. We shall drink to your leaving. Us?

[George Dyson]

But you. You and I.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

But there's one last favor you can do for me. I don't do anything while you're at the apothecary.

[George Dyson]

Apothecary.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

While you're there, while you're making the purchase of chloroform, bring me one sachet of lavender, a dozen cinnamon sticks and a dozen licorice twisties for my husband.

[George Dyson]

Then you are giving me one more chance, Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Mr. Dyson. Happy is the day when I shall call you Georges again.

[George Dyson]

Lavender cinnamon sticks, coliform and licorice twisted.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Two dozen twisties, Mr. Dyson. Good night.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

It's 11:00, Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

One hour until the new year and our anniversary. Six years, Thomas.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Yes, my dear?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You remember how you used to come and watch me jump rope?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

I had a beard then.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

And I called you bar.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

A drink.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Six years, Thomas. We have been married.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Drink.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I have had enough drink. You. You finish the bottom. I want you to look at me. Husband.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Very well. Yes.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

When we were married, I was 16. A child. Six years ago.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Adelaide. Adelaide. Adelaide.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

You see?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Husband no longer a child. I drink to you. A woman. Adlai.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

What is it?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Have you drunk from this bottle?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Yes, I think so.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

It has a pungency to it, doesn't it? Let me say century 1871. Must have been a strange vintage. Ah, a decided pungency. An aroma too.

[Thomas Hyland]

Smell it.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Nice. Good.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

What is.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Dazes from your night care?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Does it.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Makes you so attractive, dear Thomas?

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

Makes me attractive. Time cook to order a bite. Long.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Later. Finish the bottle, dear. And then I have something to tell you.

[Thomas Edwin Bartlett]

All right. Now, what is it you have to tell me?

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

Oh, you confess it now, do you not? That I am a woman. An attractive woman yet. And finally a wife. My husband. Six years now, and you have observed me only as a child. A mistreating year.

[Thomas Hyland]

On further passage between them. On this, their sixth New Year's Eve together and their wedding anniversary. On further passage. History is obscure. It is known, however, that they were alone in the house except for their service. It is known too, that five bottles of champagne were consumed. Two bottles. Chantilly, 1871. A pungent vintage, according to the record. It has been said that a few moments before the new year was ushered in, Mr. And Mrs. Bartlett were both asleep. He stretched across the width of the bed, she at his feet. And once more I refer you to Mr. Bartlett, asleep, rhythmically serene. Mr. Bartlett was dead. That didn't do any good. It was another year. But not for Mr. Bartlett. For Mr. Bartlett, a post mortem examination for his stomach. Evidence of having contained a considerable amount of chloroform. So there was a coroner's inquiry and there was a verdict. Of willful murder against Adelaide Bartlett and George Dice. At the trial, each made a statement protesting their innocence.

[George Dyson]

Yes, it is true that I purchased chloroform at various apothecaries. And it is true that the total amount I purchased thereby was sufficient to cause death. However, I use the chemical merely to clean spots from my clothing. I have many pieces of clothing and believe neatness is next to righteousness. It is true also that I became attached to Mrs. Barfet, but only because she was well versed in matters mathematical. It was a constant source of joy to me to be able to sit and speak with her of an evening of theorems and theories and postulates and corollaries.

[Adelaide Blanche de La Tremoire]

I loved my husband. He encouraged me to pursue studies of various kinds and decided to please him. On the night of his death, my husband was in good spirits and drank heavily. He, I must confess, was never more attractive. But he fell asleep, a deep sleep. From this he never awakened. I never know.

[Thomas Hyland]

Nor does anyone else know why. The jury debated for two hours and returned a verdict of not guilty. History at this point again becomes obscure. It is not normal known whether George or Adelaide ever saw each other again, whether they ever again tasted together the dusty fruits of a Pimlico sunset. Whether there were any more math lessons or talks of matters chemical. But it may be safe to assume that some of the dust breathed by the Pimlicans on evening walks, some of it has been contributed by George and Adelaide and Mr. Bartlett, you might be interested in knowing where once stood Mr. Bartlett's grocery store now stands an apothecary. This is all the information I have. Thank you. Good night.

[Narrator]

Thomas Edwin Bartlett. Tonight's crime classic was adapted from the original court reports and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The music was composed and conducted by Bernard Herman and the program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. Thomas Hyland is portrayed on radio by Lou Merrill. Thomas Edwin Bartlett was played by Herb Butterfield, Adelaide by Betty Harford and George by Terry Kilburn.

[Thomas Hyland]

Bob Lamond speaking. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

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