# XXIII: The Way He Told Her explained — The Beetle

> Chapter companion for The Beetle by Richard Marsh.

## What happens

Marjorie Lindon recounts the story of her love for Paul Lessingham, from first reading his speech in the Times to their meeting and deepening friendship. She describes the night on Westminster Bridge when Paul proposed, and she realized her own love for him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Marjorie's deep, growing love for Paul is the central focus, from her initial admiration of his speech to the proposal on Westminster Bridge.

### Class and Social Desperation

Political and class tensions are evident in Mr. Lindon's Tory views versus Paul's radical politics, and Marjorie's secret speech at a Working Women's Club.

## Character check-ins

### Marjorie Lindon

Narrates her own love story, from first reading Paul's speech to accepting his proposal on Westminster Bridge.

### Paul Lessingham

Proposes to Marjorie on Westminster Bridge; their friendship and political discussions are detailed.

### Mr. Lindon

Marjorie's father, a Tory who disapproves of Paul Lessingham's politics and of women speaking in public.

## Key lines

> I am the happiest woman in the world! I wonder how many women have said that of themselves in their time⁠—but I am.

Marjorie declares herself the happiest woman alive, aware that many have said the same before.

_Opening line expressing Marjorie's joy after Paul's declaration of love._

> It was on the Eight Hours’ Bill. Papa was most unflattering. He said that he was an oily spouter, an ignorant agitator, an irresponsible firebrand...

Marjorie recalls her father's harsh criticism of Paul's speech on the Eight Hours' Bill.

_Shows the political divide between Mr. Lindon and Paul Lessingham._

> Then I knew that I loved him too. That what I had fancied was a feeling of friendship was something very different.

Marjorie realizes her friendship for Paul is actually love when he confesses his love for her.

_Key moment of self-discovery on Westminster Bridge._

> He not only saw me into a cab, but he saw me home in it. And in the cab he kissed me.

Paul accompanied Marjorie home in the cab and kissed her.

_Intimate moment following the proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/chapters/xxiii-the-way-he-told-her
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/chapters