# XVIII: On the Stairs explained — The Leavenworth Case

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

## What happens

The narrator learns from Thomas that Henry Clavering (previously known as Mr. Robbins) was in the house on the night of the murder and may not have left. Later, while working with Mr. Harwell, Harwell suddenly sees Clavering in the hall and accuses him of being the murderer. Harwell then flees, and the narrator receives a note from Mary Leavenworth refusing further explanation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Truth

Thomas reveals Clavering's hidden presence on the murder night, and Harwell's sudden accusation exposes a concealed truth.

### Guilt and Innocence

Harwell directly accuses Clavering of the murder, while Hannah is defended as innocent by Thomas.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Clavering appears under a false name and Harwell's stoic demeanor shatters, revealing his true emotional state.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Receives Thomas's revelation about Clavering, witnesses Harwell's accusation, and receives a letter from Mary.

### Thomas

Reveals that Clavering (as Robbins) may not have left the house on the murder night, and later reports Clavering's return under a new name.

### Henry Clavering

Identified as the man who called on Eleanore as 'Robbins' and is now seen in the house, accused by Harwell of the murder.

### Mr. Harwell

Reading Leavenworth's manuscript; reacts with terror upon seeing Clavering and accuses him of the murder.

### Mary Leavenworth

Sends a note to the narrator declining further explanation and asking to bear burdens apart.

### Eleanore Leavenworth

Referenced as having refused to see Clavering on the murder night.

## Key lines

> I saw Mr. Clavering, Robbins, or whatever his name is, enter the house, but neither I nor anyone else saw him go out of it; nor do I know that he did.

Thomas says Clavering entered the house on the murder night but no one saw him leave.

_Raises suspicion that Clavering may have remained in the house._

> You want to know who the assassin of Mr. Leavenworth is, do you? Look there, then: that is the man, Clavering!

Harwell points at Clavering and declares him the murderer.

_A dramatic accusation that shifts suspicion onto Clavering._

> You ask more than I can give. Matters must be received as they are without explanation from me.

Mary says she cannot provide the explanations the narrator seeks.

_Mary's refusal deepens the mystery surrounding her and Eleanore._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xviii-on-the-stairs
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters