The Leavenworth Case · Chapter
XVI: The Will of a Millionaire explained
The will of Horatio Leavenworth is published, revealing that while Mary inherits the bulk of the estate, Eleanore receives a modest legacy.
What happens
The will of Horatio Leavenworth is published, revealing that while Mary inherits the bulk of the estate, Eleanore receives a modest legacy. The narrator discusses the will's implications with Mr. Gryce, who asks him to investigate the connection between the cousins and Mr. Clavering. The narrator agrees to assist Mr. Harwell with Leavenworth's manuscript but refuses to act as a spy. Later, Eleanore questions the narrator about whether a person can become good after doing wrong, hinting at a hidden guilt. The chapter ends with the narrator attempting to question Thomas about a mysterious Mr. Robbins.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Truth
Eleanore's questions about concealing past wrongs highlight the tension between hidden guilt and the desire for redemption.
Guilt and Innocence
The will's provisions fuel public speculation about Eleanore's motive, while her own words suggest a burden of guilt.
Justice and Investigation
Mr. Gryce enlists the narrator to uncover secrets, advancing the detective work.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Discusses the will with Mr. Gryce, agrees to help with the manuscript, and has a troubling conversation with Eleanore.
- Mr. Gryce
Requests the narrator's help in investigating the connection between the cousins and Mr. Clavering.
- Mary Leavenworth
Mentioned as the primary heir to the estate.
- Eleanore Leavenworth
Receives a modest legacy; questions the narrator about guilt and redemption.
- Henry Clavering
Mentioned as a person of interest in the investigation.
- Mr. Harwell
Works with the narrator on Mr. Leavenworth's manuscript.
Key passages
“Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie, Which we ascribe to Heaven.”
The solutions to our problems are often within us, though we attribute them to divine intervention.
Epigraph from Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well, setting a reflective tone.
“I will assist Mr. Harwell in his efforts to arrange Mr. Leavenworth's manuscript for the press; I will give Mr. Clavering an opportunity to form my acquaintance; and I will listen, if Miss Leavenworth chooses to make me her confidant in any way.”
I agreed to help with the manuscript, meet Clavering, and listen to Miss Leavenworth, but refused to spy.
The narrator sets ethical boundaries for his involvement.
“Do you think a person could do something that was very wrong, and yet grow to be thoroughly good afterwards?”
Can someone who has committed a serious wrong become truly good later?
Eleanore's probing question hints at her own possible guilt.