The Leavenworth Case · Chapter
The Summons explained
The narrator reads newspaper accounts of the murder, focusing on the missing maid Hannah.
What happens
The narrator reads newspaper accounts of the murder, focusing on the missing maid Hannah. He attends the inquest and learns the verdict is murder by person or persons unknown. He visits Mary Leavenworth and persuades her to return home to support Eleanore. Later, he receives an urgent summons from Eleanore.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it delivers the long-withheld psychological revelation of the murd…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Secrecy and Truth
The narrator ponders the missing maid Hannah as a key witness, and the tension between what is known and what is hidden drives the chapter.
- Family and Loyalty
The narrator urges Mary to return home to support Eleanore, highlighting familial duty despite personal conflict.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Reads newspaper accounts, attends inquest, visits Mary, and receives Eleanore's summons.
- Mary Leavenworth
Visited by the narrator; initially reluctant but agrees to return home to support Eleanore.
- Eleanore Leavenworth
Not seen directly but sends an urgent summons to the narrator; remains in her room after the inquest.
- Mr. Harwell
Informs the narrator of the inquest verdict; appears relieved.
- Mr. Gryce
Leaves the premises after the verdict; suspected of planning further action.
- Mr. Fobbs
Seen peering from a window across the street, suggesting surveillance.
Key passages
“The detectives are upon the track of the missing girl, Hannah.”
Police are searching for the missing maid, Hannah.
Newspaper report indicates active pursuit of Hannah.
“Death by means of a pistol shot from the hand of some person unknown.”
The jury ruled that the murder was committed by an unidentified shooter.
Official inquest verdict.
“Come, Oh, come! I—”
Please come immediately; I am desperate.
Eleanore's urgent summons to the narrator.
