# The Leavenworth Case — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green.

- [Book I: The Problem](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/book-i-the-problem.md): The narrator is introduced to the murder of Mr. Leavenworth and begins investigating the case alongside Mr. Gryce, uncovering initial suspicions and the disappearance of the maid Hannah.
- [A Great Case](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/i-a-great-case.md): The narrator, a lawyer substituting for Mr. Veeley, arrives at the Leavenworth house with the late Mr. Leavenworth's secretary. He meets Detective Gryce, who hints at the complexity of the case. The narrator views the bo
- [II: The Coroner’s Inquest](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/ii-the-coroner-s-inquest.md): The narrator describes the surreal atmosphere of the coroner's inquest held in the opulent Leavenworth mansion, contrasting the luxurious surroundings with the grim proceedings. Dr. Maynard testifies about the fatal pist
- [III: Facts and Deductions](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/iii-facts-and-deductions.md): The coroner's inquest continues with the examination of Mr. Harwell and the butler Thomas. Mr. Harwell reveals a shadow between Mr. Leavenworth and Eleanore, but denies knowing its cause. The narrator notes Harwell's eva
- [A Clue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/iv-a-clue.md): The coroner's inquest continues with testimony from the cook, Katherine Malone, and the upstairs maid, Molly O'Flanagan. Molly reveals that Hannah, the ladies' maid, fully dressed and went downstairs during the night, cl
- [Expert Testimony](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/v-expert-testimony.md): The coroner's inquest continues with expert testimony from a clerk at Bohn & Co., who identifies a bullet as coming from a Smith & Wesson pistol. The butler reveals Mr. Leavenworth kept a small pistol in his bedside stan
- [VI: Sidelights](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/vi-sidelights.md): The narrator and Mr. Gryce overhear Mary Leavenworth accusing Eleanore of moral responsibility for the murder. They enter the room to find Mary in a dramatic pose and Eleanore standing in antagonism. The narrator is imme
- [VII: Mary Leavenworth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/vii-mary-leavenworth.md): Mary Leavenworth testifies before the coroner's inquest, denying any knowledge of the murder or suspicion of anyone. She reveals that Eleanore had charge of Mr. Leavenworth's apartments and that she herself did not enter
- [VIII: Circumstantial Evidence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/viii-circumstantial-evidence.md): During the coroner's inquest, Eleanore Leavenworth is questioned about her relationship with her uncle, her actions on the morning of the murder, and the discovery of her handkerchief in the library with pistol stains. S
- [IX: A Discovery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/ix-a-discovery.md): The narrator observes Mary Leavenworth's distress and attempts to console her, while Mr. Gryce receives a report from his subordinate Fobbs about Eleanore's suspicious behavior. Mary expresses fear that Eleanore's manner
- [X: Mr. Gryce Receives New Impetus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/x-mr-gryce-receives-new-impetus.md): Mr. Gryce reveals that the missing library key was found in Eleanore's possession, leading to a confrontation. Eleanore refuses to answer questions about the key, maintaining a stubborn silence. Mary pleads with Mr. Gryc
- [The Summons](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xi-the-summons.md): The narrator reads newspaper accounts of the murder, focusing on the missing maid Hannah. He attends the inquest and learns the verdict is murder by person or persons unknown. He visits Mary Leavenworth and persuades her
- [XII: Eleanore](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xii-eleanore.md): The narrator visits Eleanore Leavenworth, who is distraught after a newspaper article accuses her of her uncle's murder. She protests her innocence and, in a dramatic act, leads the narrator to her uncle's bedroom where 
- [XIII: The Problem](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xiii-the-problem.md): The narrator returns to the parlor to find Mary Leavenworth waiting. A tense confrontation between Mary and Eleanore reveals deep mistrust, culminating in Mary declaring they cannot live under the same roof. Eleanore the
- [Book II: Henry Clavering](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/book-ii-henry-clavering.md): Henry Clavering is introduced as a new character who becomes involved in the investigation of Mr. Leavenworth's murder. His arrival brings new perspectives and potential leads to the case.
- [XIV: Mr. Gryce at Home](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xiv-mr-gryce-at-home.md): The narrator resolves to investigate James Harwell as a possible suspect in Mr. Leavenworth's murder, believing Eleanore is sacrificing herself for someone she loves. He visits Mr. Gryce at home, where they discuss the c
- [Ways Opening](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xv-ways-opening.md): The narrator attends Mr. Leavenworth's funeral and has a puzzling conversation with Mr. Harwell, who hints that a newspaper insinuation might drive the guilty party to confess. He receives a note from Eleanore saying she
- [XVI: The Will of a Millionaire](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xvi-the-will-of-a-millionaire.md): The will of Horatio Leavenworth is published, revealing that while Mary inherits the bulk of the estate, Eleanore receives a modest legacy. The narrator discusses the will's implications with Mr. Gryce, who asks him to i
- [The Beginning of Great Surprises](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xvii-the-beginning-of-great-surprises.md): The narrator reflects on days of little progress, observing Mr. Clavering's avoidance and Mr. Harwell's stoic reliability. He confronts Mary Leavenworth about Eleanore's situation, revealing that Eleanore herself told Ma
- [XVIII: On the Stairs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xviii-on-the-stairs.md): The narrator learns from Thomas that Henry Clavering (previously known as Mr. Robbins) was in the house on the night of the murder and may not have left. Later, while working with Mr. Harwell, Harwell suddenly sees Clave
- [XIX: In My Office](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xix-in-my-office.md): The narrator, Raymond, is visited in his office by Henry Clavering, who presents himself as a stranger seeking legal advice for a friend. Clavering recounts a story of a secret marriage between an Englishman and an Ameri
- [XX: “Trueman! Trueman! Trueman!”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xx-trueman-trueman-trueman.md): Mr. Harwell visits the narrator to apologize for his previous accusation against Henry Clavering, but under pressure reveals that his denunciation was based on a prophetic dream he had the night before the murder. In the
- [XXI: A Prejudice](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxi-a-prejudice.md): Mr. Raymond confronts Mr. Harwell about his dream and his knowledge of a letter from Henry Clavering. Harwell admits he opened the letter by mistake, which complained of treatment by one of Mr. Leavenworth's nieces. He a
- [Patchwork](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxii-patchwork.md): The narrator and Mr. Gryce reconstruct a torn letter from Mr. Clavering to Horatio Leavenworth, which criticizes Eleanore Leavenworth. The narrator questions whether the letter is the same paper Eleanore took from the ta
- [XXIII: The Story of a Charming Woman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxiii-the-story-of-a-charming-woman.md): Mr. Veeley recounts the tragic story of Horatio Leavenworth's marriage to a woman who had suffered abuse and lost her child, leading to her early death and Leavenworth's subsequent obsession with wealth. Later, the narra
- [A Report Followed by Smoke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxiv-a-report-followed-by-smoke.md): The narrator presents Mr. Gryce with evidence that Henry Clavering is secretly married to Eleanore Leavenworth, based on a timeline of events from the previous summer. Mr. Gryce warns that this actually strengthens the c
- [XXV: Timothy Cook](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxv-timothy-cook.md): Mr. Gryce and the narrator interrogate Timothy Cook, who witnessed a secret marriage ceremony at Mr. Stebbins's house. Cook describes the bride as strikingly beautiful and recalls that she married a Mr. Clavering. When s
- [Mr. Gryce Explains Himself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxvi-mr-gryce-explains-himself.md): Mr. Gryce reveals his theory that Eleanore Leavenworth believes in Mary's guilt and has been shielding her, and that he plans to arrest Eleanore unless a missing link—proof of motive—is found. The narrator, desperate to 
- [Book III: Hannah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/book-iii-hannah.md): The narrator and Mr. Gryce investigate Hannah, the missing maid, uncovering her connection to the case and her possible knowledge of the murder.
- [XXVII: Amy Belden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxvii-amy-belden.md): The narrator travels to R⸺ to meet Mrs. Amy Belden, a widow who may hold secrets related to the case. With the help of his client Mr. Monell, he gains entry into her home by posing as a lodger. He observes her suspicious
- [A Weird Experience](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxviii-a-weird-experience.md): The narrator inspects Mrs. Belden's room for clues about Hannah, discovering a pair of stockings marked with an 'H' and a cryptic diamond-point inscription on a window pane. During supper, Mrs. Belden seeks legal advice 
- [The Missing Witness](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxix-the-missing-witness.md): The narrator is woken by Q disguised as a tramp, who gives him a note revealing that Hannah is hiding in a specific room in Mrs. Belden's house. After a tense breakfast, a ruse lures Mrs. Belden away, and the narrator fo
- [XXX: Burned Paper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxx-burned-paper.md): The narrator discovers Hannah dead in her room, leading to a tense investigation with Q. They find a paper with powder traces and a bowl of burned paper, suggesting suicide or foul play. Q reveals he saw Hannah take a do
- [XXXI: Q](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxi-q.md): The narrator confronts Mrs. Belden about her role in hiding Hannah. Mrs. Belden admits she concealed Hannah at Mary Leavenworth's request without knowing why. Q discovers Hannah dead in her room. A letter from Mary Leave
- [Mrs. Belden’s Narrative](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxii-mrs-belden-s-narrative.md): Mrs. Belden recounts her first meeting with Mary Leavenworth a year ago, describing her enchantment with Mary's beauty and charm. She details Mary's secret romance with Henry Clavering, the plan for a clandestine marriag
- [Unexpected Testimony](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxiii-unexpected-testimony.md): Mrs. Belden testifies that Hannah came to her house on the night of the murder, sent by Mary Leavenworth, and remained silent until her death. The narrator discovers a letter from Hannah under her body, which names a tal
- [Book IV: The Problem Solved](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/book-iv-the-problem-solved.md): The mystery surrounding Mr. Leavenworth's murder is finally resolved. Through a series of revelations and confessions, the truth comes to light, bringing closure to the investigation and clearing the names of the innocen
- [Mr. Gryce Resumes Control](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxiv-mr-gryce-resumes-control.md): Mr. Gryce arrives at Mrs. Belden's house and takes charge of the investigation into Hannah's death. The narrator presents Hannah's written confession, but Mr. Gryce quickly becomes suspicious of its authenticity, noting 
- [XXXV: Fine Work](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxv-fine-work.md): Mr. Gryce and the narrator examine Eleanore's diary and a pile of paper from Mr. Leavenworth's library. The diary reveals that Mary Leavenworth secretly married Henry Clavering against her uncle's wishes, providing a mot
- [Gathered Threads](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxvi-gathered-threads.md): Mr. Gryce reveals to the narrator that he has gathered evidence pointing to Mary Leavenworth as the true murderer, including the perfumed handkerchief, the whittled table, and Eleanore's accusation. He also explains that
- [Culmination](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxvii-culmination.md): In a dramatic confrontation, Trueman Harwell confesses to the murder of Mr. Leavenworth, revealing his motive was love for Mary Leavenworth and a desire to secure her fortune. Mary, initially accused, is vindicated by He
- [A Full Confession](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-full-confession.md): The narrator confesses to the murder of Mr. Leavenworth, detailing his motives, the events leading up to the crime, and his subsequent actions to conceal his guilt. He reveals his unrequited love for Mary Leavenworth, hi
- [XXXIX: The Outcome of a Great Crime](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxix-the-outcome-of-a-great-crime.md): The narrator brings Eleanore the news that Trueman Harwell, not Mary, is guilty of Mr. Leavenworth's murder. Eleanore, overwhelmed with relief and remorse, insists on going to Mary to beg forgiveness. The cousins reconci
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/endnotes.md): A brief endnote providing a diagram of the library and bedroom layout for readers interested in the spatial details of the murder scene.
- [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations.md): This chapter presents a list of illustrations including a cursive inscription reading 'Gnirevalc Yram', a plan of the upper floor with a cross marked in a room, and a floorplan showing a library connected to a bedroom vi

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