# XLV: Mr. Gryce Says Goodbye explained — Hand and Ring

> Chapter companion for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Imogene Dare, recovering from illness, learns from Helen Richmond that Craik Mansell has been acquitted of murder. Mr. Gryce visits to say goodbye, revealing that Orcutt's deathbed confession cleared Mansell. Imogene expresses her gratitude and her despair over her own perjury, believing she is unworthy of Mansell. Mr. Gryce offers fatherly advice and departs, leaving Imogene to contemplate her ruined life until Mansell appears at her door.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Innocence

Imogene grapples with her own guilt for perjuring herself, while Mansell is proven innocent; the chapter explores the weight of moral responsibility.

### Secrets and the Past

The revelation that Mrs. Clemmens was Orcutt's wife and the full truth of the crime come to light, reshaping Imogene's understanding of the past.

### Love and Obsession

Imogene's love for Mansell is tempered by her belief that she is unworthy; Mansell's persistence suggests a love that overcomes obstacles.

## Character check-ins

### Imogene Dare

Recovering from illness, learns of Mansell's acquittal, expresses guilt and despair over her perjury, and is visited by Mr. Gryce.

### Mr. Gryce

Visits Imogene to say goodbye, reveals Orcutt's confession, and offers fatherly advice before departing.

### Craik Mansell

Acquitted of murder; his release is celebrated by the town, and he appears at Imogene's door at the end of the chapter.

### Mr. Orcutt

Revealed as the true murderer of Mrs. Clemmens; his deathbed confession is the key to Mansell's acquittal.

### Mr. Byrd

Leaves a goodbye for Imogene; he goes home that afternoon.

## Key lines

> If I had not shown Mr. Orcutt how a man like himself might perpetrate a murder without rousing suspicion, he might never have summoned up courage to attempt it.

Mr. Gryce feels responsible for giving Orcutt the idea to commit murder, as he had explained how such a crime could be done without detection.

_Mr. Gryce expresses his regret and moral burden._

> A woman who has stained herself by such declarations as I made use of in court the last time I was called to the stand has created a barrier between herself and all earthly friendship.

Imogene believes her perjury in court has made her unworthy of any friendship, including Mansell's.

_Imogene's despair over her own actions._

## Links

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