# XXV explained — The Haunted Hotel

> Chapter companion for The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

In the evening, Henry Westwick leaves the opera early to speak with Agnes Lockwood, who remains at the hotel. He argues that the evidence from Dr. Bruno, the consul, and the priest proves Lord Montbarry's death was natural, but Agnes remains unconvinced, haunted by the apparition she saw. Henry reveals he confronted the Countess about the hidden head, but she was unresponsive, absorbed in writing a play. Agnes refuses to see the Countess again. Henry then announces he has changed his plans to accompany Agnes back to England, hinting at his love for her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural and the Unknown

Agnes's belief in the apparition and her superstitious interpretation of events contrast with Henry's rational explanations.

### Deception and Secrets

The Countess's secret writing and her evasive behavior regarding the hidden head underscore the theme of concealed truth.

## Character check-ins

### Agnes Lockwood

Remains at the hotel, troubled by the apparition and unconvinced by the evidence of Lord Montbarry's natural death.

### Henry Westwick

Leaves the opera early to comfort Agnes, confronts the Countess about the hidden head, and decides to return to England with Agnes.

### Countess Narona

Obsessively writing a play, unresponsive to Henry's accusations about the hidden head, and shows only fleeting curiosity about the investigation.

### Lord Montbarry

Mentioned as having changed his travel plans due to Henry's decision to return to England.

## Key lines

> What I saw last night prevents me... I feel in my heart of hearts that you are deceived. Nothing will shake my belief that we are still as far from having discovered the dreadful truth as ever.

Agnes insists that her vision of the apparition proves the mystery remains unsolved, despite Henry's logical arguments.

_Highlights Agnes's unwavering conviction in the supernatural explanation._

> She went on with her writing as if I had spoken in an unknown tongue!

The Countess completely ignored Henry's accusations, continuing to write her play as if he had not spoken.

_Illustrates the Countess's detachment and obsession with her manuscript._

> I shall go back with you to England, Agnes. That will be holiday enough for me.

Henry tells Agnes he is returning to England with her, implying that being with her is all the vacation he needs.

_Reveals Henry's romantic feelings and his decision to prioritize Agnes._

## Links

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