# I Astonish Mr. Gryce and He Astonishes Me explained — Lost Man’s Lane

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

## What happens

Miss Butterworth reveals to Mr. Gryce that Mr. Chittenden's ring was found on a pigeon's neck, indicating the victim attempted to send a message. She then describes seeing a hand in a hidden loft in Deacon Spear's barn, which Mr. Gryce reveals belongs to Mr. Ostrander, Lucetta's lover, who is hiding there.

## Themes in this chapter

### Detection and Investigation

Miss Butterworth's deductive reasoning and Mr. Gryce's hidden knowledge drive the investigation forward.

### Secrecy and Deception

The hidden loft, the pigeon message, and Mr. Gryce's withheld information all involve layers of secrecy.

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

William's loyalty to Mr. Trohm contrasts with his sisters' suspicions, while Lucetta's lover hides to protect her.

## Character check-ins

### Amelia Butterworth

Discovers the truth about the ring and the hidden man in the barn loft; confronts Mr. Gryce with her findings.

### Mr. Gryce

Amazed by Miss Butterworth's discoveries; reveals that he already knew about Mr. Ostrander's hiding place.

### William Knollys

Drives Miss Butterworth; expresses his belief that Deacon Spear is responsible for the disappearances and defends Mr. Trohm.

### Mother Jane

Revealed to have received Mr. Chittenden's ring via a pigeon; her rage at the loss of the ring disclosed the fact.

### Mr. Trohm

Suspected by Lucetta's sisters but defended by William Knollys as a friend.

### Mr. Ostrander

Revealed to be the hidden person in Deacon Spear's barn loft; Lucetta's missing lover.

## Key lines

> I had wit, but I had refused to exercise it; my blind partiality for a man of pleasing exterior and magnetic address had prevented the cool play of my usual judgment.

Miss Butterworth admits she let her attraction to a charming man cloud her reasoning.

_Reflects her self-awareness and determination to correct her bias._

> Mr. Gryce, I have just come from the other end of the lane, where I found a clue which may shorten the suspense of this weary day, and possibly save Lucetta from the painful task she has undertaken in our interests.

She announces a new clue that could resolve the case and spare Lucetta further distress.

_Highlights her proactive role and concern for Lucetta._

> That hand was the hand of Mr. Ostrander; and the reason why I did not accept William Knollys' suggestion to search the Deacon's barn-loft was because I knew it had been chosen as a place of refuge by this missing lover of Lucetta.

Mr. Gryce reveals he already knew Mr. Ostrander was hiding in the barn loft.

_Shows Mr. Gryce's secret knowledge and strategic withholding of information._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxvii-i-astonish-mr-gryce-and-he-astonishes-me
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters