# XXIX: In the Light explained — The Law and the Lady

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

## What happens

Valeria confronts Miserrimus Dexter about the trial, revealing her suspicion that Mrs. Beauly poisoned Eustace's first wife. Dexter, initially disturbed, confirms he shares this belief. After a break, he cooks truffles and serves Burgundy, but Valeria's direct question about Mrs. Beauly rekindles his distrust.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Deception

Valeria uncovers Dexter's secret belief about Mrs. Beauly's guilt, while Dexter hides his own deeper knowledge of the events at Gleninch.

### Gender Roles and Agency

Valeria, as a woman, takes an active investigative role, challenging legal and social norms, while Dexter expounds on women's mental constitution.

### Madness and Rationality

Dexter's erratic behavior, wild laughter, and obsession with macabre curiosities blur the line between genius and madness.

## Character check-ins

### Valeria

Valeria presses Dexter on the trial, reveals her suspicion of Mrs. Beauly, and tries to gain his confidence.

### Miserrimus Dexter

Dexter shows extreme agitation when Valeria mentions the trial, then recovers, cooks truffles, but becomes distrustful when asked about Mrs. Beauly.

### Eustace Macallan

Referenced as Valeria's husband, whose innocence she affirms, and whose first wife's death is under scrutiny.

### Mrs. Beauly

Valeria and Dexter both suspect Mrs. Beauly of poisoning Eustace's first wife; Dexter states there is no doubt.

### Ariel

Mentioned as Dexter's servant, capable of roasting and boiling joints but not trusted for finer cooking.

## Key lines

> I am only an ignorant woman... but there is one part of my husband’s trial which doesn’t at all satisfy me. The defense set up for him seems to me to have been a complete mistake.

Valeria modestly claims ignorance but boldly asserts that the defense at Eustace's trial was flawed.

_Valeria challenges the official narrative of the trial, setting the stage for her investigation._

> Suspect? There isn’t the shadow of a doubt about it. Mrs. Beauly poisoned her.

Dexter declares with absolute certainty that Mrs. Beauly is the poisoner.

_Dexter's emphatic statement aligns with Valeria's suspicion, deepening the mystery._

> Women are infinitely superior to men in the moral qualities which are the true adornments of humanity. Be content—oh, my mistaken sisters, be content with that!

Dexter argues that women should be satisfied with their moral superiority rather than seeking equality.

_Dexter's speech reflects Victorian gender ideology, contrasting with Valeria's active agency._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters/xxix-in-the-light
- 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