# In the Library explained — The Lady of the Barge

> Chapter companion for The Lady of the Barge by W. W. Jacobs.

## What happens

Trayton Burleigh, confronted by his partner James Fletcher over financial defalcations, is given an ultimatum: leave the house and firm with two hundred pounds or face disgrace and penal servitude. In a fit of rage, Burleigh kills Fletcher with a Japanese sword. He then attempts to plan his escape, but is haunted by fear and the eerie presence of the corpse. Later, while trying to leave, he hears noises, locks a mysterious presence in the library, and flees in terror.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Moral Ambiguity

Burleigh's murder of Fletcher is a direct result of his financial crimes, and the chapter explores his psychological turmoil and moral decay as he plans his escape.

### Deception and Betrayal

Burleigh betrays Fletcher's trust by embezzling funds, and Fletcher's ultimatum leads to Burleigh's violent betrayal in return.

### Isolation and Community

After the murder, Burleigh is isolated in the house with the corpse, cut off from the outside world, and his fear of the constable underscores his separation from lawful society.

## Character check-ins

### Trayton Burleigh

The protagonist who murders his partner Fletcher after being confronted about his financial crimes, then tries to plan his escape.

### Jimmy Fletcher

Burleigh's partner who is killed after giving Burleigh an ultimatum to leave the firm and house.

## Key lines

> He had often read of ⸻ people of hasty temper, evading the police for a time, and eventually falling into their hands for lack of the most elementary common sense.

He recalled stories of impulsive criminals who evaded capture briefly but were caught due to simple mistakes.

_Burleigh reflects on common criminal errors as he plans his escape._

> He took his revolver from a drawer and saw that it was loaded. If the worst came to the worst, he would die quickly.

He checked his revolver, ready to use it on himself if capture seemed inevitable.

_Burleigh contemplates suicide as a final escape from the consequences of his crime._

> The sharp little clock on the mantelpiece rang out 'one,' followed immediately by the deeper note of that in the library.

The small clock chimed one, and the library clock echoed a moment later.

_The clocks mark the passage of time and heighten the tension in the silent house._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lady_of_the_barge_se/chapters/in-the-library
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lady_of_the_barge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lady_of_the_barge_se/chapters