# IX explained — The Haunted Hotel

> Chapter companion for The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Mrs. Ferrari reveals to Mr. Troy that Lord Montbarry sent her the letter with the thousand-pound note, and she plans to confront Lady Montbarry to catch her in a trap and prove her husband's murder.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrets

Mrs. Ferrari's plan to trap Lady Montbarry hinges on uncovering hidden truths about Lord Montbarry's death and the letter.

### Guilt and Retribution

Mrs. Ferrari seeks retribution for her husband's murder, believing Lady Montbarry's guilt will be revealed in her face.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Ferrari

Visits Mr. Troy to share news about the letter and her plan to confront Lady Montbarry.

### Mr. Troy

Listens to Mrs. Ferrari's account and expresses skepticism about her plan.

### Lord Montbarry

Revealed as the sender of the letter with the thousand-pound note, according to Mrs. Ferrari.

### Countess Narona

Referred to as 'my lady' and the target of Mrs. Ferrari's planned confrontation.

### Baron Rivar

Mentioned as being in league with Lady Montbarry, controlling Lord Montbarry.

## Key lines

> If you had lived in the country, sir, instead of living in London, you would sometimes have seen even a sheep turn on a dog.

Mrs. Ferrari tells Mr. Troy that even the meekest person can become fierce when provoked, comparing herself to a sheep that turns on a dog.

_Mrs. Ferrari asserts her newfound courage to confront Lady Montbarry._

> I come, my lady, to acknowledge the receipt of the money sent to Ferrari’s widow.

Mrs. Ferrari plans to announce herself to Lady Montbarry as the recipient of the money sent to her as Ferrari's widow.

_This is the trap Mrs. Ferrari intends to spring on Lady Montbarry._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_hotel_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_hotel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_hotel_se/chapters