The Law and the Lady · Chapter
The Major Makes Difficulties explained
Valeria asks Major Fitz-David for an introduction to Miserrimus Dexter, hoping to consult him about her husband's trial.
What happens
Valeria asks Major Fitz-David for an introduction to Miserrimus Dexter, hoping to consult him about her husband's trial. The Major strongly warns her against Dexter, describing him as mad and unfit for a lady. He proposes a compromise: a dinner party at his house where Dexter will be a guest, allowing Valeria to meet him under supervision. Mrs. Macallan arrives to visit Valeria.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Deception
Valeria's secret motive to clear Eustace's name drives her to seek out Dexter, while the Major's warnings hint at hidden dangers.
Gender Roles and Agency
Valeria asserts her agency by insisting on meeting Dexter, but the Major's protective stance reflects Victorian constraints on women's independence.
Madness and Rationality
The Major's characterization of Dexter as mad contrasts with Valeria's rational determination to consult him for a legal purpose.
Characters to notice
- Valeria
Persists in seeking an introduction to Miserrimus Dexter to clear her husband's name; reluctantly agrees to the Major's dinner party compromise.
- Major Fitz-David
Strongly opposes Valeria's request, warns Dexter is mad, and proposes a dinner party as a safer alternative.
- Benjamin
Present during the discussion; obediently records the dinner engagement despite his own reluctance.
- Mrs. Macallan
Arrives unexpectedly at Benjamin's house to visit Valeria, having heard from Eustace and Doctor Starkweather.
- Miserrimus Dexter
Discussed at length; described by the Major as mad, a mixture of tiger and monkey, but clever.
Key passages
“The man is mad! In all England you could not have picked out a person more essentially unfit to be introduced to a lady—to a young lady especially—than Dexter.”
The Major declares Dexter insane and wholly unsuitable for a young lady like Valeria.
Major Fitz-David's strong warning against introducing Valeria to Dexter.
“What Voltaire said satirically of the character of his countrymen in general is literally true of Miserrimus Dexter. He is a mixture of the tiger and the monkey.”
The Major compares Dexter to Voltaire's description of the French as part tiger, part monkey, implying he is both dangerous and ridiculous.
Vivid characterization of Dexter's dual nature.
“I have reason to hope that Miserrimus Dexter can help me to clear my husband's character of the stain which the Scotch Verdict has left on it.”
Valeria believes Dexter may provide evidence to exonerate Eustace from the disgrace of the not-proven verdict.
Valeria's stated motive for seeking Dexter's help.