# XII explained — The Lodger

> Chapter companion for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## What happens

Mrs. Bunting insists that Daisy must visit her Aunt Margaret in Belgrave Square, despite Daisy's strong objections and Bunting's attempts to intervene. The argument reveals underlying tensions about money, duty, and Daisy's budding romance with Joe Chandler. After the decision is made, Mrs. Bunting goes out to send a telegram, but her thoughts are consumed by Mr. Sleuth's strange behavior and her own guilty wish for another Avenger murder.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Social Insecurity

Mrs. Bunting argues that money is the main thing in the world, driving the decision to send Daisy to Aunt Margaret despite Daisy's wishes.

### Complicity and Moral Ambiguity

Mrs. Bunting feels self-loathing for hoping the Avenger has committed another murder, revealing her complicity in her thoughts.

### Fear and Suspicion

Mrs. Bunting is haunted by Mr. Sleuth's strange behavior and the possibility that he is the Avenger, causing her to listen fearfully at night.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Bunting

Insists Daisy must go to Aunt Margaret's; later feels self-loathing for hoping the Avenger has struck again.

### Daisy

Passionately resists going to Belgrave Square; cries in the kitchen after being overruled.

### Mr. Bunting

Initially supports Daisy but ultimately sides with Ellen on the importance of money.

### Joe Chandler

Discussed as being sweet on Daisy; Mrs. Bunting predicts Daisy will tire of him before they die.

### Mr. Sleuth

Mrs. Bunting recalls his restless pacing and reading of revenge texts; she worries about his odd behavior.

### The Avenger

Mrs. Bunting imagines him as a black shadow; she feels shame for hoping he has murdered again.

## Key lines

> There'll come a day, Daisy, when you'll know, like me, that money is the main thing that matters in this world

Mrs. Bunting tells Daisy that she will eventually understand that financial security is the most important concern in life.

_Reflects the theme of poverty and social insecurity._

> She had listened all through breakfast hoping to hear the

Mrs. Bunting admits to herself that she had been waiting for news of another Avenger murder during breakfast.

_Highlights her moral ambiguity and complicity._

> Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Mrs. Bunting suggests that Bunting tell Daisy this proverb to comfort her about being separated from Joe Chandler.

_Shows Mrs. Bunting's awareness of Daisy's feelings for Joe._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters