McCann was inarguably the person most damaging to Leopold’s claim to the estate. Leopold disputed the claim that Carus agreed to pay the maid a $25 weekly salary (plus lodging), as it was already a third of what Carus herself was taking in weekly, before expenses. In McCann’s depositions, she claimed she was more than just a housekeeper to Carus during her years of service (1900–1926), and was more a companion, confidant, and manager of Carus’ household and personal property. She stated that Leopold was aware Carus, who suffered from paresis, was having frequent attacks of insanity, and that one day he took Carus out for a short ride, taking advantage of the opportunity to marry her quickly without allowing McCann or others to intervene.
