# Nemesis at Last explained — The Law and the Lady

> Chapter companion for The Law and the Lady by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Valeria returns to see Miserrimus Dexter, who is visibly deteriorated. She finds him tormenting Ariel with strings, but she intervenes. Despite her mission to uncover the truth about the Gleninch mystery, Valeria feels pity for Dexter, who is both cruel and fragile. Benjamin accompanies her as a protective figure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Rationality

Dexter's erratic behavior and physical decline highlight the theme of madness, as Valeria observes his deteriorating sanity.

### Secrets and Deception

Valeria's persistent quest to uncover the truth about the Gleninch mystery drives the chapter, with Dexter's evasiveness and references to Mrs. Beauly.

### Justice and Truth

Benjamin is personified as 'Retributive Justice,' and Valeria's mission reflects the pursuit of justice for Eustace.

## Character check-ins

### Valeria

Returns to confront Miserrimus Dexter, determined to uncover the mystery at Gleninch, but feels pity for his deteriorated state.

### Miserrimus Dexter

Shows severe physical and mental decline; torments Ariel with strings, but is emotionally volatile and fixated on Valeria.

### Benjamin

Accompanies Valeria as a protective figure, carrying a cane and rebuking Dexter for his familiarity.

### Ariel

Endures Dexter's cruel teasing with strings, claiming to have no nerves, and remains devoted to him.

## Key lines

> I pitied Miserrimus Dexter—and that he found it out. “Thank you,” he said, suddenly.

Valeria felt compassion for Dexter despite his cruelty, and he noticed her pity, thanking her.

_Highlights Valeria's conflicted emotions and Dexter's perceptiveness._

> “Drop the string!” I called out, indignantly “Release her, Mr. Dexter, or I shall leave the house.”

Valeria angrily demanded that Dexter stop tormenting Ariel, threatening to leave if he did not comply.

_Shows Valeria's moral outrage and intervention._

> “You personify Retributive Justice now.”

Dexter sarcastically calls Benjamin the embodiment of justice, mocking his protective role.

_Illustrates Dexter's ironic and defiant attitude._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters/xl-nemesis-at-last
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters