# On the Way to Dexter explained — The Law and the Lady

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters/xxxix-on-the-way-to-dexter
- 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