# XLII: More Surprises explained — The Law and the Lady

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

## What happens

Valeria receives an abstract of expenses from Mr. Playmore, who reports that Miserrimus Dexter is to be moved to an asylum and that Ariel faces separation unless funds are raised. Valeria secures Ariel's right to attend Dexter part-time. A letter from Mrs. Macallan reveals that Eustace wishes to return to Valeria, but still abhors her investigation into his first wife's death. Torn between her love for Eustace and her commitment to the inquiry, Valeria writes evasive replies, then visits her uncle Starkweather. After weeks of waiting, a telegram from America arrives with the cryptic instruction: 'Open the dust-heap at Gleninch.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Valeria is torn between her love for Eustace and her commitment to the investigation, ultimately choosing to deceive him to preserve both.

### Secrets and Deception

Valeria writes evasive letters to her mother-in-law and husband, concealing the truth about her ongoing investigation.

### Madness and Rationality

Miserrimus Dexter's insanity is confirmed, leading to his removal to an asylum; Ariel's devotion is contrasted with institutional rules.

## Character check-ins

### Valeria

Receives news from Mr. Playmore and Mrs. Macallan; struggles with the choice between reconciling with Eustace and continuing her investigation; writes evasive letters; visits her uncle Starkweather.

### Mr. Playmore

Sends the abstract of expenses, reports on Miserrimus Dexter's condition, and suggests a subscription for Ariel; later sends the bewildering telegram from America.

### Miserrimus Dexter

Remains unchanged in his condition; is to be moved to an asylum under the care of a new doctor.

### Ariel

Faithfully attends her master; faces separation unless funds are raised; Valeria arranges for her to accompany Dexter to the asylum with limited visiting privileges.

### Mrs. Macallan

Writes to Valeria from Spain, reporting Eustace's desire to return to his wife but also his continued aversion to the investigation.

### Eustace Macallan

Recovering in Spain; expresses gratitude and love for Valeria, but remains horrified by her plan to reinvestigate his first wife's death.

## Key lines

> I took the liberty, when I wrote back to Mr. Playmore, of slightly increasing the indicated amount of the figures which were to appear on the check.

Valeria discreetly raised the expense amount in her reply to Mr. Playmore to ease the messenger's burden.

_Shows Valeria's compassion and her willingness to bend strict instructions._

> Those two agreeable fiends, Prevarication and Deceit, took me, as it were, softly by the hand.

Valeria personifies her own dishonesty as tempting companions who lead her to write evasive letters.

_Highlights her internal moral conflict and self-awareness._

> Open the dust-heap at Gleninch.

The telegram from America instructs Valeria and Mr. Playmore to search the dust-heap at the Gleninch estate.

_A cryptic turning point that propels the investigation forward._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters/xlii-more-surprises
- 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