# XXXIX: The Outcome of a Great Crime explained — The Leavenworth Case

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

## What happens

The narrator brings Eleanore the news that Trueman Harwell, not Mary, is guilty of Mr. Leavenworth's murder. Eleanore, overwhelmed with relief and remorse, insists on going to Mary to beg forgiveness. The cousins reconcile, and Mary, humbled, wishes to give Eleanore the fortune, but Eleanore refuses. They agree to devote the money to charity. The narrator and Eleanore then go to inform Mr. Veeley of the truth, leaving Mary and Henry Clavering together with hope for the future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Innocence

Eleanore's false suspicion of Mary is revealed as groundless; Harwell's guilt is confirmed, and the innocent are exonerated.

### Family and Loyalty

The reconciliation between Mary and Eleanore restores their familial bond, overcoming past accusations and mistrust.

### Secrecy and Truth

The truth about the murder is finally uncovered, dispelling the secrets that had caused so much suffering.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Brings Eleanore the good news of Harwell's confession, facilitates the reconciliation, and accompanies Eleanore to inform Mr. Veeley.

### Eleanore Leavenworth

Overjoyed and remorseful upon learning the truth; goes to Mary to beg forgiveness and refuses to accept the tainted fortune.

### Mary Leavenworth

Humbled and forgiving; welcomes Eleanore, acknowledges the circumstantial evidence against her, and wishes to give the fortune to Eleanore.

### Henry Clavering

Present with Eleanore; apologizes to the narrator for the earlier document and is reconciled with him.

### Mr. Harwell

Revealed as the actual murderer; his confession clears Mary and Eleanore.

### Thomas

Opens the door and is sombrely glad to see Eleanore return.

## Key lines

> Oh, Eleanore! ... are you prepared for very good news? News that will brighten these pale cheeks and give the light back to these eyes, and make life hopeful and sweet to you once more?

The narrator excitedly asks Eleanore if she is ready for news that will restore her health and happiness.

_The narrator brings Eleanore the joyful revelation of Harwell's guilt._

> Take me to her! Oh, take me to her! I cannot breathe or think till I have begged pardon of her on my knees.

Eleanore urgently insists on going to Mary to apologize for her unjust suspicions.

_Eleanore's immediate reaction upon learning the truth is to seek forgiveness from Mary._

> Blessed is the shame that purifies

The narrator reflects that Mary's humility and shame have a cleansing effect on her character.

_The narrator observes Mary's transformation after the reconciliation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters/xxxix-the-outcome-of-a-great-crime
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_leavenworth_case_se/chapters