The Burtons quickly learn that such poison pen letters have been received by many in the town. Despite the letters containing false accusations, many in town are quite upset by them and fear something worse. Mrs. Symmington, the local solicitor's wife, is found dead after receiving a letter stating that her husband, Mr. Dick Symmington, was not the father of their second son. Her body is discovered with the letter, a glass containing potassium cyanide, and a torn scrap of paper that reads, "I can't go on."