# XIV explained — The Lodger > Chapter companion for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes. ## What happens Bunting expresses relief at the lodger's return and worries about his nighttime wanderings, while Mrs. Bunting grows increasingly uneasy. She secretly listens to Mr. Sleuth's movements and is startled when he unexpectedly comes down to the kitchen, asking to use her gas stove for an experiment after his own slot-machine stove malfunctions. Despite her fear, she agrees, and the lodger plans to work late after the Buntings have gone to bed. ## Themes in this chapter ### Fear and Suspicion Mrs. Bunting's growing unease and secret listening, along with Bunting's warnings about the Avenger, heighten the atmosphere of fear and suspicion. ### Isolation and Urban Anonymity The fog-bound house and the lodger's secretive nighttime activities underscore the isolation and anonymity of urban life. ### Psychology of the Criminal Mr. Sleuth's odd behavior, his urgent need to conduct experiments at night, and his discomfort when discovered hint at a disturbed psychology. ## Character check-ins ### Mrs. Bunting Feels sharp envy and resentment toward Bunting's ease, listens furtively to the lodger's movements, and is unnerved by Mr. Sleuth's unexpected visit to the kitchen. ### Mr. Bunting Relieved at the lodger's return, reads the evening paper, and expresses concern about the dangers of the fog and the Avenger. ### Mr. Sleuth Returns from a nighttime outing, later comes down to the kitchen in a plaid dressing-gown to request use of the gas stove for an experiment, appearing wild and eager. ## Key lines > There he is at last, and I’m glad of it, Ellen. ’Tain’t a night you would wish a dog to be out in. Bunting expresses relief that the lodger has returned, noting the terrible weather. _Highlights Bunting's concern for the lodger's safety and the harsh foggy night._ > I’ve a good mind to speak to him about it, that I have! He ought to be told that it isn’t safe—not for the sort of man he is—to be wandering about the streets at night. Bunting considers warning the lodger about the dangers of nighttime wandering. _Reveals Bunting's growing suspicion and concern for the lodger's activities._ > The truth is, I didn’t know you were here, Mrs. Bunting. Please excuse my costume. My gas-stove has gone wrong... So I came down to see if you had a gas-stove. Mr. Sleuth apologizes for his appearance and explains he needs to use the kitchen stove because his own is broken. _Shows the lodger's unexpected intrusion into Mrs. Bunting's domain and his excuse for the visit._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters/xiv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters