# Chapter XXXIX explained — The Ladies Lindores

> Chapter companion for The Ladies Lindores by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Rolls disappears after consulting Mr. Monypenny, leaving Dalrulzian in distress. Bauby Rolls struggles to maintain composure while serving Beaufort, and later worries about her brother's whereabouts. Rolls, meanwhile, undertakes a solemn pilgrimage to Edinburgh, visiting historic sites before returning to the scene of Torrance's death, preparing for a momentous act of self-sacrifice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grief and Liberation

Bauby's grief over John's imprisonment and Rolls's absence contrasts with Rolls's solemn preparation for a liberating act of self-sacrifice.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Bauby maintains a brave face for Beaufort while hiding her deep anxiety; Rolls's tourist-like demeanor conceals his grave purpose.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Beaufort

Guest at Dalrulzian; comforts Bauby Rolls and assures her of John's return.

### Mr. Rolls

Absent from Dalrulzian; travels to Edinburgh on a solemn pilgrimage, then visits the scene of Torrance's death.

### Mr. Monypenny

Consulted by Rolls before his disappearance.

### John Erskine

Imprisoned; his absence causes distress at Dalrulzian.

### Patrick Torrance

Deceased; the scene of his death is revisited by Rolls.

## Key lines

> Maister John in jyal! and oor Tammas gone after him; and what will I say to his mammaw?

Bauby laments that John is in jail and Tammas has disappeared, worrying about what to tell his mother.

_Expresses the household's distress over John's imprisonment and Rolls's absence._

> He had seen the best that earth contained, and now was ready for the worst, whatever that might be.

Rolls felt he had experienced all that life could offer and was now prepared to face any fate.

_Highlights Rolls's solemn resignation and readiness for his self-sacrificial plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_ladies_lindores_se/chapters/xxxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_ladies_lindores_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_ladies_lindores_se/chapters