# IX: A Discovery explained — The Leavenworth Case

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

## What happens

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 is incriminating her, though she insists on her cousin's innocence. The chapter deepens the mystery surrounding Eleanore's actions and the investigation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Mary Leavenworth's outward grief and protestations of Eleanore's innocence contrast with her willingness to lie, while Eleanore's nervous demeanor raises suspicion despite possible innocence.

### Secrecy and Truth

The chapter revolves around what Eleanore might be concealing, Mary's hidden motives, and the detective's secretive communication.

### Guilt and Innocence

Mary insists Eleanore is innocent, yet her behavior and the circumstantial evidence suggest otherwise; the narrator grapples with the ambiguity.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Observes and interacts with Mary Leavenworth and Mr. Gryce; attempts to console Mary and questions Eleanore's possible concealment.

### Mary Leavenworth

Shows fear and grief; suggests Eleanore's manner is suspicious but insists on her innocence; offers to lie to protect her cousin.

### Mr. Gryce

Directs the investigation; receives a report from Fobbs about Eleanore's actions; counts his fingers in a troubled manner.

### Eleanore Leavenworth

Mentioned as the subject of suspicion; reportedly acted nervously and asked for water while being watched by Fobbs.

### Mr. Fobbs

Reports to Mr. Gryce about following Eleanore and observing her behavior in her room.

## Key lines

> Instantly the whole appearance of the man Fobbs changed. Assuming an expression of lofty importance, he laid his large hand outspread upon his heart and commenced.

Fobbs suddenly adopted a grandiose manner, placing his hand on his chest as he began to speak.

_Highlights Fobbs's dramatic shift in demeanor when reporting to Mr. Gryce._

> I would say whatever was necessary,” she whispered. I started back. Yes, this woman would lie now to save her cousin; had lied during the inquest.

Mary whispered that she would say anything needed, confirming to the narrator that she had lied before and would do so again.

_Reveals Mary's willingness to perjure herself to protect Eleanore._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/ix-a-discovery
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters