In the given statement, Lizzie Andrew Borden describes a scenario where someone visited their home. According to her account, this person initially arrived at the front door and rang the bell. Maggie, presumably another member of the household, was then responsible for letting the visitor in. Lizzie speculates that since the visitor mentioned forgetting his key, it suggests he might have come during a time when other family members were downstairs.
Beyond its literal interpretation, this statement reveals insights into the dynamics within Borden’s household and the social norms of her time. The interaction described speaks to the roles individuals played in their homes—Maggie's role as someone who would answer the door suggests she had certain responsibilities or was likely a close family member or caretaker. Furthermore, the casual mention of forgetting keys implies a level of familiarity with the household, hinting at regular visits from this person and perhaps ongoing relationships among the people involved.
Lizzie Andrew Borden is best known for her connection to one of America’s most infamous murders: the 1892 axe murder of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The quote provided offers a glimpse into the mundane details of daily life during that era, contrasting with the violent event for which she later became notorious. While she was never convicted of these crimes, they overshadowed her entire life and legacy, making this casual mention of someone visiting their home particularly intriguing given its context within such an infamous history.