# XIII explained — The Haunted Hotel

> Chapter companion for The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

In the spring of 1861, Agnes is established at the country seat of her friends, now the new Lord and Lady Montbarry. The widow of the first Lord Montbarry (the Countess) leaves for America with Baron Rivar. Agnes interviews Mrs. Rolland, a former servant, hoping to learn something about the missing courier Ferrari. Mrs. Rolland provides little useful information, only revealing that Ferrari took liberties with her and that he was familiar with his mistress. Meanwhile, Arthur Barville expresses a sudden infatuation with Miss Haldane, which inadvertently draws Agnes closer to Venice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrets

The mystery of Ferrari's disappearance deepens as Mrs. Rolland withholds any useful information, hinting at hidden dealings between Ferrari and Baron Rivar.

### Class and Social Mobility

Mrs. Rolland's disdain for Ferrari's familiarity with his mistress highlights rigid class distinctions among servants and masters.

## Character check-ins

### Agnes Lockwood

Now living with the new Lord and Lady Montbarry; interviews Mrs. Rolland about Ferrari's disappearance.

### Henry Westwick

Visits his brother's house and presses his suit to Agnes before returning to London.

### Mrs. Rolland

Former maid to the Countess; gives a stern account of Ferrari's behavior and refuses to help Agnes.

### Arthur Barville

Nephew of the new Lord Montbarry; expresses infatuation with Miss Haldane.

### Countess Narona

The dowager Lady Montbarry; leaves for America with Baron Rivar.

### Baron Rivar

Accompanies the Countess to America for chemical research.

## Key lines

> I speak harshly of nobody without reason. Mr. Ferrari behaved to me, Miss Lockwood, as no man living has ever behaved—before or since.

Mrs. Rolland claims Ferrari treated her worse than anyone else ever has.

_Mrs. Rolland's indignation at Ferrari's liberties._

> If I could afford it, I would leave the place too; but I can’t afford it.

Ferrari said he would leave the palace if he had the money.

_Ferrari's last words to Mrs. Rolland before she left Venice._

## Links

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