# The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger explained — The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes > Chapter companion for The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. ## What happens Mrs. Merrilow, a landlady from South Brixton, visits Sherlock Holmes to discuss her mysterious lodger, Mrs. Ronder, who has lived in seclusion for seven years, always veiled due to a terribly mutilated face. Mrs. Ronder, tormented by guilt and crying 'Murder!' in her sleep, wishes to confess her story to Holmes before she dies. Holmes recalls the Abbas Parva tragedy involving Ronder's wild beast show, where a lion named Sahara King killed Ronder and mauled his wife. Holmes and Watson visit Mrs. Ronder, who reveals her past and the truth behind the tragedy. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Appearance Mrs. Ronder's veiled face and hidden identity, along with the secret she keeps about the true events of the lion attack, highlight the theme of deception and the contrast between appearance and reality. ### Crime and Punishment The chapter revolves around a past tragedy involving a lion attack and possible murder, with Mrs. Ronder seeking to confess her role in the events, touching on themes of guilt and retribution. ### The Passage of Time and Mortality Mrs. Ronder is described as wasting away and nearing death, and her desire to confess before she dies underscores the theme of mortality and the passage of time. ## Character check-ins ### Sherlock Holmes Holmes is consulted by Mrs. Merrilow about her mysterious lodger, Mrs. Ronder. He recalls the Abbas Parva tragedy and agrees to hear Mrs. Ronder's story. ### Dr. Watson Watson is summoned by Holmes to assist and witness the interview with Mrs. Merrilow and later Mrs. Ronder. ### Mrs. Merrilow The landlady of Mrs. Ronder, who seeks Holmes's help after hearing her lodger's cries of 'Murder!' and her desire to confess before dying. ### Mrs. Ronder The veiled lodger, wife of the late showman Ronder, whose face was mutilated in the Abbas Parva lion attack. She wishes to unburden her conscience by telling Holmes the truth about the tragedy. ## Key lines > When one considers that Mr. Sherlock Holmes was in active practice for twenty-three years, and that during seventeen of these I was allowed to cooperate with him and to keep notes of his doings, it will be clear that I have a mass of material at my command. Given that Holmes worked for 23 years, with Watson assisting for 17 of them, Watson has a wealth of cases to choose from. _Watson introduces the breadth of his records of Holmes's cases._ > The discretion and high sense of professional honour which have always distinguished my friend are still at work in the choice of these memoirs, and no confidence will be abused. Holmes's professional integrity ensures that sensitive information in these memoirs is protected. _Watson assures readers that Holmes's ethical standards guide the selection of cases._ > I deprecate, however, in the strongest way the attempts which have been made lately to get at and to destroy these papers. Watson strongly condemns recent efforts to access or destroy his case notes. _Watson warns against interference with his records._ > It is not reasonable to suppose that every one of these cases gave Holmes the opportunity of showing those curious gifts of instinct and observation which I have endeavoured to set forth in these memoirs. Not every case allowed Holmes to demonstrate his remarkable deductive skills. _Watson notes that some cases were less dramatic in terms of Holmes's abilities._ > But the most terrible human tragedies were often involved in those cases which brought him the fewest personal opportunities, and it is one of these which I now desire to record. The cases with the least personal glory for Holmes often involved the greatest human suffering. _Watson sets up the current story as a tragic case._ > In telling it, I have made a slight change of name and place, but otherwise the facts are as stated. Watson has altered names and locations slightly, but the events are true. _Watson notes minor fictionalization for privacy._ > One forenoon—it was late in 1896—I received a hurried note from Holmes asking for my attendance. One morning in late 1896, Watson got an urgent message from Holmes to come see him. _The story is set in late 1896._ > When I arrived I found him seated in a smoke-laden atmosphere, with an elderly, motherly woman of the buxom landlady type in the corresponding chair in front of him. Watson found Holmes in a smoky room with a plump, motherly landlady sitting opposite him. _Description of the scene at 221B Baker Street._ > This is Mrs. Merrilow, of South Brixton,' said my friend with a wave of the hand. Holmes introduced the woman as Mrs. Merrilow from South Brixton. _Introduction of the client._ > Mrs. Merrilow does not object to tobacco, Watson, if you wish to indulge your filthy habits. Holmes tells Watson that Mrs. Merrilow doesn't mind if he smokes. _Holmes's characteristic teasing of Watson._ > Mrs. Merrilow has an interesting story to tell which may well lead to further developments in which your presence may be useful. Mrs. Merrilow's story could lead to something requiring Watson's help. _Holmes hints at the case's potential._ > You will understand, Mrs. Merrilow, that if I come to Mrs. Ronder I should prefer to have a witness. Holmes insists on bringing a witness when meeting Mrs. Ronder. _Holmes's caution in dealing with the veiled lodger._ > Lord bless you, Mr. Holmes,' said our visitor, 'she is that anxious to see you that you might bring the whole parish at your heels!' Mrs. Merrilow says Mrs. Ronder is so eager to see Holmes that she wouldn't mind if he brought everyone. _Mrs. Ronder's desperation to speak with Holmes._ > Then we shall come early in the afternoon. Let us see that we have our facts correct before we start. Holmes plans to visit in the afternoon and wants to review the facts first. _Holmes's methodical approach._ > If we go over them it will help Dr. Watson to understand the situation. Reviewing the facts will bring Watson up to speed. _Holmes includes Watson in the briefing._ > You say that Mrs. Ronder has been your lodger for seven years and that you have only once seen her face. Holmes confirms that Mrs. Ronder has lived with Mrs. Merrilow for seven years, and her face was seen only once. _Key detail about the lodger's secrecy._ > And I wish to God I had not!' said Mrs. Merrilow. Mrs. Merrilow regrets ever seeing Mrs. Ronder's face. _The horror of the mutilation._ > It was, I understand, terribly mutilated. Holmes understands that the face was badly disfigured. _Holmes's summary of the situation._ > Well, Mr. Holmes, you would hardly say it was a face at all. That's how it looked. Mrs. Merrilow says the face was so damaged it was barely recognizable as a face. _Graphic description of the injury._ > Our milkman got a glimpse of her once peeping out of the upper window, and he dropped his tin and the milk all over the front garden. The milkman was so shocked by the sight that he spilled the milk. _Reaction of others to the disfigurement._ > That is the kind of face it is. When I saw her—I happened on her unawares—she covered up quick, and then she said, 'Now, Mrs. Merrilow, you know at last why it is that I never raise my veil.' Mrs. Merrilow accidentally saw the face, and Mrs. Ronder quickly covered it, explaining why she always wears a veil. _The reason for the veil._ > Do you know anything about her history? Holmes asks if Mrs. Merrilow knows Mrs. Ronder's background. _Holmes seeks background information._ > Nothing at all. Mrs. Merrilow knows nothing of her lodger's past. _Lack of information._ > Did she give references when she came? Holmes asks if Mrs. Ronder provided references. _Holmes checks for standard procedures._ > No, sir, but she gave hard cash, and plenty of it. A quarter's rent right down on the table in advance and no arguing about terms. Mrs. Ronder paid three months' rent in advance without haggling. _Financial incentive for the landlady._ > In these times a poor woman like me can't afford to turn down a chance like that. Mrs. Merrilow couldn't refuse such a generous offer. _Economic motivation._ > Did she give any reason for choosing your house? Holmes asks why Mrs. Ronder chose that particular house. _Holmes probes for motives._ > Mine stands well back from the road and is more private than most. Then, again, I only take the one, and I have no family of my own. The house is private and Mrs. Merrilow has no family, making it ideal for someone seeking seclusion. _Reasons for the choice._ > I reckon she had tried others and found that mine suited her best. It's privacy she is after, and she is ready to pay for it. Mrs. Ronder wanted privacy and was willing to pay for it. _Mrs. Ronder's primary need._ > You say that she never showed her face from first to last save on the one accidental occasion. Well, it is a very remarkable story, most remarkable, and I don't wonder that you want it examined. Holmes finds the story remarkable and understands why Mrs. Merrilow wants it investigated. _Holmes's interest is piqued._ > I don't, Mr. Holmes. I am quite satisfied so long as I get my rent. You could not have a quieter lodger, or one who gives less trouble. Mrs. Merrilow is content as long as she receives rent; the lodger is very quiet. _Mrs. Merrilow's initial reluctance._ > Then what has brought matters to a head? Holmes asks what changed the situation. _Holmes seeks the trigger for the consultation._ > Her health, Mr. Holmes. She seems to be wasting away. And there's something terrible on her mind. Mrs. Ronder's health is failing, and she is tormented by something. _Cause for concern._ > 'Murder!' she cries. 'Murder!' And once I heard her: 'You cruel beast! You monster!' she cried. Mrs. Ronder screams about murder and calls someone a cruel beast and monster in her sleep. _Evidence of a troubled conscience._ > It was in the night, and it fair rang through the house and sent the shivers through me. The screams were loud and frightening. _Impact on the landlady._ > So I went to her in the morning. 'Mrs. Ronder,' I says, 'if you have anything that is troubling your soul, there's the clergy,' I says, 'and there's the police. Between them you should get some help.' Mrs. Merrilow suggested Mrs. Ronder seek help from clergy or police. _Mrs. Merrilow's advice._ > 'For God's sake, not the police!' says she, 'and the clergy can't change what is past. And yet,' she says, 'it would ease my mind if someone knew the truth before I died.' Mrs. Ronder refuses police and clergy but wants to confess the truth before dying. _Mrs. Ronder's desire for confession._ > 'Well,' says I, 'if you won't have the regulars, there is this detective man what we read about'—beggin' your pardon, Mr. Holmes. Mrs. Merrilow suggested Holmes as an alternative. _How Holmes became involved._ > And she, she fair jumped at it. 'That's the man,' says she. 'I wonder I never thought of it before. Bring him here, Mrs. Merrilow, and if he won't come, tell him I am the wife of Ronder's wild beast show. Say that, and give him the name Abbas Parva.' Mrs. Ronder eagerly agreed and gave instructions to mention Ronder's wild beast show and Abbas Parva. _The key to getting Holmes's attention._ > Here it is as she wrote it, Abbas Parva. 'That will bring him if he's the man I think he is.' Mrs. Ronder wrote down 'Abbas Parva' and was confident it would bring Holmes. _Mrs. Ronder's confidence in Holmes._ > And it will, too,' remarked Holmes. Holmes confirms that the name indeed brings him. _Holmes's acknowledgment._ > Very good, Mrs. Merrilow. I should like to have a little chat with Dr. Watson. That will carry us till lunchtime. About three o'clock you may expect to see us at your house in Brixton. Holmes arranges to visit at three o'clock after discussing the case with Watson. _Planning the visit._ > Our visitor had no sooner waddled out of the room—no other verb can describe Mrs. Merrilow's method of progression—than Sherlock Holmes threw himself with fierce energy upon the pile of commonplace books in the corner. As soon as Mrs. Merrilow left, Holmes eagerly searched through his reference books. _Holmes's immediate research._ > For a few minutes there was a constant swish of the leaves, and then with a grunt of satisfaction he came upon what he sought. After a few minutes of searching, Holmes found what he was looking for. _Successful search._ > So excited was he that he did not rise, but sat upon the floor like some strange Buddha, with crossed legs, the huge books all round him, and one open upon his knees. Holmes was so absorbed that he remained sitting cross-legged on the floor surrounded by books. _Holmes's eccentric posture._ > The case worried me at the time, Watson. Here are my marginal notes to prove it. I confess that I could make nothing of it. And yet I was convinced that the coroner was wrong. Holmes was troubled by the case and believed the coroner's verdict was incorrect. _Holmes's earlier doubts._ > Have you no recollection of the Abbas Parva tragedy? Holmes asks if Watson remembers the Abbas Parva incident. _Holmes tests Watson's memory._ > None, Holmes. Watson does not recall it. _Watson's lack of memory._ > And yet you were with me then. But certainly my own impression was very superficial. For there was nothing to go by, and none of the parties had engaged my services. Holmes notes that Watson was with him at the time, but the case was not his and he had little information. _Holmes explains why the case was not prominent._ > Perhaps you would care to read the papers? Holmes offers to let Watson read the documents. _Holmes's offer._ > Could you not give me the points? Watson asks for a summary instead. _Watson prefers a verbal account._ > That is very easily done. It will probably come back to your memory as I talk. Holmes agrees to summarize, expecting it to jog Watson's memory. _Holmes begins the recap._ > Ronder, of course, was a household word. He was the rival of Wombwell, and of Sanger, one of the greatest showmen of his day. Ronder was a famous showman, competing with Wombwell and Sanger. _Background on Ronder._ > There is evidence, however, that he took to drink, and that both he and his show were on the down grade at the time of the great tragedy. Ronder's drinking led to the decline of his show before the tragedy. _Ronder's personal issues._ > The caravan had halted for the night at Abbas Parva, which is a small village in Berkshire, when this horror occurred. The show stopped at Abbas Parva in Berkshire when the tragedy happened. _Location of the incident._ > They were on their way to Wimbledon, travelling by road, and they were simply camping and not exhibiting, as the place is so small a one that it would not have paid them to open. They were traveling to Wimbledon and only camping, not performing, because the village was too small. _Context of the stop._ > They had among their exhibits a very fine North African lion. Sahara King was its name, and it was the habit, both of Ronder and his wife, to give exhibitions inside its cage. They had a lion named Sahara King, and both Ronder and his wife performed inside its cage. _The lion and the act._ > Here, you see, is a photograph of the performance by which you will perceive that Ronder was a huge porcine person and that his wife was a very magnificent woman. A photo shows Ronder as a large, pig-like man and his wife as a beautiful woman. _Physical descriptions._ > It was deposed at the inquest that there had been some signs that the lion was dangerous, but, as usual, familiarity begat contempt, and no notice was taken of the fact. The inquest heard that the lion showed signs of danger, but they were ignored due to overfamiliarity. _Warning signs ignored._ > It was usual for either Ronder or his wife to It was common for either Ronder or his wife to... _Incomplete sentence in the excerpt._ > shutting the door. It was her only refuge. She made for it, and just as she reached it the beast bounded after her and knocked her over. She ran for the door as her only escape, but the lion caught and knocked her down. _Watson's reconstruction of the event._ > She was angry with her husband for having encouraged the beast's rage by turning. If they had faced it they might have cowed it. Hence her cries of 'Coward!' She blamed her husband for turning and running, which enraged the lion, and called him a coward. _Watson's theory about the cries._ > Brilliant, Watson! Only one flaw in your diamond. Holmes praises Watson but points out a flaw in his reasoning. _Holmes's critique._ > What is the flaw, Holmes? Watson asks what the flaw is. _Watson's curiosity._ > If they were both ten paces from the cage, how came the beast to get loose? Holmes questions how the lion escaped if they were ten paces away. _Key inconsistency._ > Is it possible that they had some enemy who loosed it? Watson suggests an enemy might have released the lion. _Watson's hypothesis._ > And why should it attack them savagely when it was in the habit of playing with them, and doing tricks with them inside the cage? Holmes wonders why the lion would attack if it was used to playing with them. _Another inconsistency._ > Possibly the same enemy had done something to enrage it. Watson suggests the enemy might have provoked the lion. _Watson's follow-up._ > Holmes looked thoughtful and remained in silence for some moments. Holmes pondered silently. _Holmes's contemplation._ > Well, Watson, there is this to be said for your theory. Ronder was a man of many enemies. Edmunds told me that in his cups he was horrible. Holmes concedes that Ronder had many enemies and was horrible when drunk. _Support for Watson's theory._ > A huge bully of a man, he cursed and slashed at everyone who came in his way. Ronder was a bully who cursed and attacked people. _Ronder's character._ > I expect those cries about a monster, of which our visitor has spoken, were nocturnal reminiscences of the dear departed. Holmes thinks the cries about a monster are memories of her dead husband. _Holmes's interpretation._ > However, our speculations are futile until we have all the facts. Holmes says speculation is useless without full information. _Holmes's pragmatism._ > There is a cold partridge on the sideboard, Watson, and a bottle of Montrachet. Let us renew our energies before we make a fresh call upon them. Holmes suggests they eat and drink before the visit. _Preparing for the interview._ > When our hansom deposited us at the house of Mrs. Merrilow, we found that plump lady blocking up the open door of her humble but retired abode. They arrived at Mrs. Merrilow's house, where she stood in the doorway. _Arrival at the house._ > It was very clear that her chief preoccupation was lest she should lose a valuable lodger, and she implored us, before showing us up, to say and do nothing which could lead to so undesirable an end. Mrs. Merrilow was worried about losing her lodger and begged them not to upset her. _Landlady's concern._ > Then, having reassured her, we followed her up the straight, badly carpeted staircase and were shown into the room of the mysterious lodger. After calming her, they went upstairs to Mrs. Ronder's room. _Entering the lodger's room._ > It was a close, musty, ill-ventilated place, as might be expected, since its inmate seldom left it. The room was stuffy and poorly ventilated because the occupant rarely went out. _Description of the room._ > From keeping beasts in a cage, the woman seemed, by some retribution of fate, to have become herself a beast in a cage. The woman who once kept animals in cages now lived like a caged animal herself. _Poetic justice._ > She sat now in a broken armchair in the shadowy corner of the room. She sat in a broken chair in a dark corner. _Her position._ > Long years of inaction had coarsened the lines of her figure, but at some period it must have been beautiful, and was still full and voluptuous. Inactivity had coarsened her figure, but she had once been beautiful and still had a full form. _Her physical state._ > A thick dark veil covered her face, but it was cut off close at her upper lip and disclosed a perfectly shaped mouth and a delicately rounded chin. Her veil revealed only her mouth and chin, which were well-shaped. _Partial view of her face._ > I could well conceive that she had indeed been a very remarkable woman. Watson could imagine she was once a striking woman. _Watson's impression._ > Her voice, too, was well modulated and pleasing. Her voice was pleasant and controlled. _Her voice quality._ > My name is not unfamiliar to you, Mr. Holmes,' said she. 'I thought that it would bring you.' Mrs. Ronder says her name is known to Holmes and she expected it would bring him. _Mrs. Ronder's opening words._ > That is so, madam, though I do not know how you are aware that I was interested in your case. Holmes confirms but wonders how she knew of his interest. _Holmes's curiosity._ > I learned it when I had recovered my health and was examined by Mr. Edmunds, the county detective. I fear I lied to him. Perhaps it would have been wiser had I told the truth. She learned of Holmes's interest from the detective Edmunds, and admits she lied to him. _Her previous deception._ > It is usually wiser to tell the truth. But why did you lie to him? Holmes agrees truth is better and asks why she lied. _Holmes's question._ > Because the fate of someone else depended upon it. I know that he was a very worthless being, and yet I would not have his destruction upon my conscience. We had been so close—so close! She lied to protect someone, despite his worthlessness, because of their close bond. _Her motive for lying._ > But has this impediment been removed? Holmes asks if the obstacle is gone. _Holmes checks if she can now tell the truth._ > Yes, sir. The person that I allude to is dead. The person she protected has died. _The impediment is removed._ > Then why should you not now tell the police anything you know? Holmes asks why she doesn't go to the police now. _Holmes's logical question._ > Because there is another person to be considered. That other person is myself. I could not stand the scandal and publicity which would come from a police examination. She fears the scandal and publicity of a police investigation for herself. _Her personal concern._ > I have not long to live, but I wish to die undisturbed. And yet I wanted to find one man of judgment to whom I could tell my terrible story, so that when I am gone all might be understood. She wants to die in peace but also wants one discerning person to know the truth. _Her wish for a confessor._ > You compliment me, madam. At the same time, I am a responsible person. I do not promise you that when you have spoken I may not myself think it my duty to refer the case to the police. Holmes appreciates the compliment but warns he might still feel obligated to inform the police. _Holmes's professional responsibility._ > I think not, Mr. Holmes. I know your character and methods too well, for I have followed your work for some years. She believes Holmes will not go to the police, based on her knowledge of his character. _Her trust in Holmes._ > Reading is the only pleasure which fate has left me, and I miss little which passes in the world. Reading is her only remaining pleasure, and she keeps up with current events. _Her solitary life._ > But in any case, I will take my chance of the use which you may make of my tragedy. It will ease my mind to tell it. She will risk whatever Holmes does with her story, as telling it will relieve her. _Her decision to confess._ > My friend and I would be glad to hear it. Holmes and Watson are ready to listen. _Holmes's acceptance._ > The woman rose and The woman stood up and... _Incomplete sentence in the excerpt._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_casebook_of_sherlock_holmes_se/chapters/the-adventure-of-the-veiled-lodger - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_casebook_of_sherlock_holmes_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_casebook_of_sherlock_holmes_se/chapters