# An Intrusion explained — Lost Man’s Lane

> Chapter companion for Lost Man’s Lane by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Miss Butterworth is deeply moved by her discovery under the Flower Parlor and resolves to maintain her role as a visitor. She hears a cry from Lucetta and meets the two Miss Knollys, who reveal that Mr. Trohm and Mr. Gryce have arrived with a police officer. Lucetta confronts them at the door, and Mr. Gryce explains his intention to search the premises as part of an investigation into the lane's disappearances, with Mr. Trohm offering his own house for inspection. Loreen reluctantly agrees to the search, but Lucetta objects to Mr. Trohm's presence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Detection and Investigation

Mr. Gryce's official search of the Knollys house and the lane's houses is a key plot point, advancing the detective work into the disappearances.

### Secrecy and Deception

The Knollys sisters are clearly hiding something, and Lucetta's outburst reveals long-held feelings about the family's disgrace.

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

Loreen and Lucetta attempt to protect their family's name and brother from the investigation, showing loyalty despite their fear.

## Character check-ins

### Amelia Butterworth

Resolves to remain quiet and sustain her role as visitor and friend; hastens to investigate Lucetta's cry.

### Lucetta

Cries out in agitation upon seeing Mr. Trohm and Mr. Gryce; confronts them at the door with defiance and barely restrained anger.

### Miss Knollys

Loreen attempts to calm Lucetta and speaks for the family, agreeing to a police search but showing visible apprehension.

### Mr. Trohm

Arrives with Mr. Gryce, offering his own house for search to make the investigation easier; Lucetta objects to his presence.

### Mr. Gryce

Accompanies Mr. Trohm as a detective; speaks in fatherly tones and requests to search the Knollys premises as part of the investigation.

## Key lines

> I was so moved by this discovery that I was not myself for several moments.

The discovery deeply affected me, leaving me disoriented for a time.

_Miss Butterworth's emotional reaction to finding the words under the Flower Parlor._

> He has dared to enter our gates, bringing a police officer with him.

He has audaciously come onto our property with a policeman.

_Lucetta's agitated announcement of Mr. Trohm and Mr. Gryce's arrival._

> If the police wish to search this house, it is open to them.

The police are welcome to search this house if they want.

_Loreen's reluctant but formal consent to the search._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxviii-an-intrusion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters