# X: Mr. Gryce Receives New Impetus explained — The Leavenworth Case

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

## What happens

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. Gryce to find the true culprit, offering a reward. The narrator lists the evidence against Eleanore but struggles with his own belief in her innocence, ultimately writing 'Suspicious' next to the key evidence. Mary writes and mails a mysterious note during their carriage ride.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Truth

Eleanore's refusal to explain the key and Mary's secret note highlight the theme of hidden truths and the tension between concealment and revelation.

### Guilt and Innocence

The narrator's internal conflict over Eleanore's guilt versus her apparent innocence is central, as he lists evidence yet clings to belief in her.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The narrator admits he is swayed by Eleanore's beautiful face, questioning whether appearances mask the truth of her possible guilt.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Struggles with the evidence against Eleanore, torn between suspicion and faith in her innocence; accompanies Mary to her friend's house.

### Mr. Gryce

Receives new impetus from the key discovery; confronts Eleanore and later accepts Mary's plea to pursue justice.

### Eleanore Leavenworth

Confronted about the key; refuses to answer questions and leaves the room, maintaining her silence.

### Mary Leavenworth

Anxious and pleading; offers a reward and urges Mr. Gryce to find the burglar; writes and mails a secret note.

### Mr. Fobbs

Summoned by Mr. Gryce to request Eleanore's presence in the reception room.

## Key lines

> A woman does not thrill, blush, equivocate, and faint for nothing; especially such a woman as Miss Leavenworth.

Mr. Gryce believes Eleanore's emotional reactions are clear signs of guilt.

_Mr. Gryce interprets Eleanore's behavior as incriminating._

> If she declares herself innocent, I will believe her.

The narrator is willing to accept Eleanore's word over the evidence.

_The narrator's faith in Eleanore persists despite the key discovery._

> I must refuse to answer any questions concerning it.

Eleanore will not discuss the key at all.

_Eleanore's silence deepens suspicion._

> What mortal man can do, I will do, and if in one month from this day I do not come to you for my reward, Ebenezer Gryce is not the man I have always taken him to be.

Mr. Gryce promises to solve the case within a month or forfeit his reputation.

_Mr. Gryce commits to finding the truth._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters