The Leavenworth Case · Chapter
XIII: The Problem explained
The narrator returns to the parlor to find Mary Leavenworth waiting.
What happens
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 then privately confides to the narrator that she took a paper from the library table and that it no longer exists, but refuses to disclose how she obtained the key or what she heard on the night of the murder. The narrator resolves to find the true culprit despite Eleanore's resistance.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Truth
Eleanore's refusal to reveal how she obtained the key or what she heard underscores the theme of hidden knowledge and the tension between protecting others and revealing the truth.
Family and Loyalty
The deep mistrust and antagonism between the cousins Mary and Eleanore highlight fractured family bonds and conflicting loyalties.
Guilt and Innocence
The narrator's conviction of Eleanore's innocence contrasts with the circumstantial evidence against her, and her own actions (taking the paper) complicate the question of guilt.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Observes the confrontation between Mary and Eleanore, presses Eleanore for information, and resolves to uncover the real murderer.
- Mary Leavenworth
Arrives in the parlor, confronts Eleanore with pride and coldness, declares they cannot live together, and flees weeping.
- Eleanore Leavenworth
Defends her innocence, admits to taking a paper from the library table and destroying it, but refuses to reveal how she obtained the key or what she heard.
- Mr. Gryce
Mentioned as the investigator whose suspicions the narrator hopes to combat.
- Hannah
Referred to as the maid who knows the mystery of the night and is being sought.
- Mr. Harwell
Mentioned in the context of the night's events, specifically his going upstairs before the library door closed.
Key passages
“I doubt if anyone ever knows who is the guilty person in this case.”
Eleanore expresses doubt that the murderer will ever be identified.
Reveals Eleanore's belief that the truth may remain hidden.
“The same roof can never shelter us both after this. Tomorrow, you or I find another home.”
Mary declares that she and Eleanore cannot continue living together.
Highlights the irreparable rift between the cousins.
“I shall never divulge to anyone how I came in possession of that key.”
Eleanore vows to keep secret the source of the key.
Demonstrates her determination to protect someone at her own expense.