The Law and the Lady · Chapter
On the Way to Dexter explained
Valeria persuades a reluctant Benjamin to accompany her on a visit to Miserrimus Dexter, despite his earlier insult.
What happens
Valeria persuades a reluctant Benjamin to accompany her on a visit to Miserrimus Dexter, despite his earlier insult. She devises a secret signaling system for Benjamin to take notes during their conversation, hoping to gather information about the late Mrs. Eustace Macallan's death. A letter from Mr. Playmore warns of a change for the worse in Dexter and advises Valeria to steer the conversation toward the deceased.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Deception
Valeria plans to use a secret signaling system to secretly record Dexter's words, indicating a theme of hidden motives and covert information gathering.
Madness and Rationality
Dexter's erratic behavior and Benjamin's view of him as a 'maundering mad monster' highlight the tension between madness and rational inquiry.
Gender Roles and Agency
Valeria takes the lead in a risky investigation, defying Benjamin's protective objections and asserting her own agency in pursuing the truth.
Characters to notice
- Valeria
Determined to visit Miserrimus Dexter again despite Benjamin's objections; she plans to use a secret signaling system to have Benjamin take notes during the conversation.
- Benjamin
Strongly disapproves of the visit to Dexter, but reluctantly agrees to accompany Valeria and take notes using her signaling system.
- Miserrimus Dexter
Subject of the planned visit; reported to have shown a change for the worse and to have been emotionally disturbed during Valeria's absence.
- Mr. Playmore
Writes a letter to Valeria advising her on the visit, warning of Dexter's deterioration and suggesting she steer the conversation toward the late Mrs. Eustace Macallan.
- Eustace Macallan
Mentioned as being ill in Spain, with Valeria and Mrs. Macallan having nursed him.
- Mrs. Macallan
Mentioned as having been in foreign parts nursing Eustace; Dexter called at her house to inquire about Valeria.
Key passages
“I declare to Heaven, Valeria, I believe that monster’s madness is infectious—and you have caught it!”
Benjamin exclaims that Valeria has been infected by Dexter's madness.
Benjamin expresses his strong disapproval of Valeria's plan to visit Dexter again.
“We must make allowances for a man who suffers under Dexter’s infirmities, and lives Dexter’s life.”
Valeria argues that Dexter's disabilities and lifestyle excuse his behavior.
Valeria tries to persuade Benjamin to be more forgiving toward Dexter.
“I am going to clear my mind of cant. I am going into the library. I am going to read— Puss in Boots , and Jack and the Beanstalk , and anything else I can find that doesn’t march with the age we live in.”
Benjamin says he will read children's stories to escape modern nonsense.
Benjamin sarcastically rejects the 'new ideas' of the age.
“You must be prepared to see a change for the worse in Dexter.”
Mr. Playmore warns Valeria that Dexter's condition has deteriorated.
Mr. Playmore's letter advises Valeria about Dexter's current state.