# VIII: Circumstantial Evidence explained — The Leavenworth Case

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

## What happens

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. She denies taking a paper from the table and refuses to answer further, leading to heightened suspicion. The chapter ends with Eleanore fainting.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Eleanore's calm and composed demeanor contrasts with the mounting circumstantial evidence against her, raising questions about her true nature.

### Secrecy and Truth

Eleanore's refusal to answer about the paper and her evasive responses highlight the tension between hiding secrets and revealing the truth.

### Guilt and Innocence

The inquest focuses on Eleanore's potential guilt, with the handkerchief and key evidence suggesting involvement, yet her denials and fainting leave ambiguity.

## Character check-ins

### Eleanore Leavenworth

Testifies at the inquest, denies taking a paper, refuses to answer about the key, and faints after the handkerchief evidence is presented.

### Mary Leavenworth

Present at the inquest, shows agitation and does not assist her cousin when she faints.

### Mr. Gryce

Observes quietly, whispers to the coroner, and produces the soiled handkerchief as evidence.

### The Narrator

Describes the proceedings and his own emotional turmoil, feeling a desire to flee the scene.

### Kate

Recalled as a witness, testifies about washing and ironing the handkerchief.

## Key lines

> The cold steadiness of her now fixed and impassive countenance was sufficient warranty in itself against the possibility of any such catastrophe.

Her calm and unchanging expression seemed to guarantee that she would not betray herself.

_The narrator observes Eleanore's composure during the inquest._

> I decline answering the question.

I refuse to respond to that.

_Eleanore's defiant response when asked about taking a paper from the table._

> When any suspicious paper is found in my possession, it will be time enough then for me to explain how I came by it.

If you find a suspicious paper on me, then I'll explain how I got it.

_Eleanore challenges the coroner to produce evidence before demanding an explanation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/viii-circumstantial-evidence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters