# III: Facts and Deductions explained — The Leavenworth Case

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

## What happens

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 evasiveness and suspicion. Thomas describes the discovery of the body and Eleanore's actions afterward, including her lingering at the library table. The missing key becomes a focal point of the investigation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Truth

Mr. Harwell's lies about the correspondence and his suppression of suspicion highlight the tension between concealed knowledge and the pursuit of truth.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The butler's hesitation about family unity and Harwell's claim of no suspicion contrast with the evident discord and hidden motives.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Harwell

Exhibits distress and evasiveness during questioning; admits a shadow between Mr. Leavenworth and Eleanore; lies about the correspondence; shows emotion when Eleanore is mentioned.

### Eleanore Leavenworth

Identified as the niece with whom Mr. Leavenworth had a shadow; she faints upon discovering the body, then stays by the library table after ordering its removal.

### Thomas

The butler testifies about the discovery of the body, Eleanore's actions, and the household layout; hesitates when asked about family unity.

### The Narrator

Observes Harwell's lies and emotional tells; makes notes on four key points of suspicion.

### Mary Leavenworth

Mentioned as the sole heiress; not present during the discovery according to Thomas.

## Key lines

> The man lied; I knew it instantly. The clenched hand pausing irresolute, then making up its mind to go through with the lie firmly, was enough for me.

The narrator immediately recognized that Harwell was lying, reading the truth from his hesitant and then resolute hand gesture.

_Narrator's deduction of Harwell's dishonesty._

> A shadow is a very slight thing. There might have been a shadow⁠—

Harwell admits there may have been some tension or estrangement between Mr. Leavenworth and Eleanore.

_Harwell's reluctant acknowledgment of a rift._

> She stayed by the library table. 'What doing?' 'I couldn’t see; her back was to me.'

After ordering the body moved, Eleanore remained alone at the library table, her actions hidden from Thomas.

_Eleanore's suspicious behavior after the discovery._

## Links

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