# II explained — Basil

> Chapter companion for Basil by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Basil questions Mr. Sherwin about his mysterious clerk, Mr. Mannion. Mr. Sherwin praises Mannion's efficiency and trustworthiness but admits he knows nothing of his past. Mrs. Sherwin shows a nervous aversion to Mannion, while Margaret seems indifferent. Basil becomes intrigued by the mystery surrounding Mannion and resolves to investigate him, even considering making Margaret his ally in this project.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

Mannion's mysterious past and his refusal to discuss his family affairs create an aura of secrecy that captivates Basil.

### Social Class and Pride

Mannion's demeanor suggests he is above his current station, hinting at a fall from a higher social class.

## Character check-ins

### Basil

Curious about Mannion's past, he questions Mr. Sherwin and decides to investigate the clerk's mystery.

### Mr. Sherwin

Praises Mannion as his indispensable factotum but admits he knows nothing about his clerk's history.

### Mrs. Sherwin

Shows a nervous shrinking and awestruck fear in Mannion's presence, displaying a strong dislike for him.

### Margaret Sherwin

Appears uninterested in the conversation about Mannion and retires early due to a headache.

### Robert Mannion

Described as having an impenetrable face and a gentlemanly manner that suggests he has descended from a higher station.

## Key lines

> I can tell you there’s not a house of business in London has such a managing man as he is: he’s my factotum⁠—my right hand, in short; and my left too, for the matter of that.

Mr. Sherwin boasts that Mannion is the best manager in London, serving as his indispensable right-hand man.

_Highlights Mannion's value and importance to Mr. Sherwin's business._

> He may be the Great Mogul himself, in disguise, for anything I care!

Mr. Sherwin says he doesn't care who Mannion really is, even if he were a disguised emperor.

_Shows Mr. Sherwin's indifference to Mannion's mysterious origins._

> There was the impenetrable face before you, wholly inexpressive⁠—so inexpressive that it did not even look vacant⁠—a mystery for your eyes and your mind to dwell on⁠—hiding something; but whether vice or virtue you could not tell.

Basil describes Mannion's face as an impenetrable mystery that hides something, but it's impossible to tell if it's good or evil.

_Captures Basil's fascination and the central mystery of Mannion's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters