← The Monster

The Monster · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Monster by Edgar Saltus.

  1. Chapter 1

    I

    Leilah and Verplank marry against her father's wishes, but shortly after the wedding, Leilah discovers incriminating letters that shatter her world. She flees Coronado, leaving Verplank bewildered and desperate to find her.

  2. Chapter 2

    II

    In Paris, Howard Tempest attends a dinner at the home of his cousin, the Duchesse de Joyeuse, where he meets the beautiful and enigmatic Madame Barouffska (formerly Mrs. Verplank). The evening is filled with witty, often cynical conversation among the guests, touching on marriage, fate, spiritual ideas, and social scandals. Tempest and Leilah Barouffska share a private conversation about fate and a mystical philosophy from the Vidya, while Aurelia, Violet Silverstairs, and others engage in light-hearted banter. The chapter establishes the sophisticated, morally ambiguous world of the expatriate aristocracy.

  3. Chapter 3

    III

    Leilah Verplank, after fleeing from Coronado, suffers a breakdown and recuperates in Salt Lake City. She then travels to Carson, Nevada, where she secures a divorce from Verplank through questionable legal means. Meanwhile, Verplank mistakenly pursues her to Samoa and the austral seas. Leilah later stays with the Silverstairs in Paris, where she meets Count Kasimiérz Barouffski after he saves her from a fire at a dinner party. Barouffski begins to court her, and Violet Silverstairs warns Leilah about his intentions.

  4. Chapter 4

    IV

    Verplank arrives at a Parisian salon hosted by the Duchesse de Joyeuse, where he encounters Violet Silverstairs and learns that Leilah is now with Barouffski. A tense confrontation occurs when Verplank unexpectedly meets Leilah and Barouffski in a gallery, but Violet intervenes. Verplank struggles with rage and jealousy, briefly considering a violent confrontation before leaving abruptly.

  5. Chapter 5

    V

    Verplank, Silverstairs, and de Fresnoy discuss the etiquette of dueling in response to Barouffski's insult. De Fresnoy agrees to act as a second and writes a formal challenge to Barouffski. Verplank reflects on his past with Leilah and glimpses her in a passing motor, but she disappears into the fog.

  6. Chapter 6

    VI

    Leilah grapples with the aftermath of unexpectedly encountering Verplank at the Joyeuse party, realizing she still loves him and that her marriage to Barouffski is a fragile barricade. She contemplates spiritual doctrines from the Vidya about desire, karma, and atonement, and considers extreme measures like flight or a convent to escape her torment.

  7. Chapter 7

    VII

    Leilah dines with Violet Silverstairs, who confronts her about her lies and the mystery of why she left Verplank. Leilah realizes Verplank never received her letter explaining her departure. Violet reveals Verplank will dine at her house the next day, forcing Leilah to confront her past. Leilah considers using Barouffski to reveal the truth to Verplank, but is tormented by uncertainty. The chapter ends with Leilah seeing Verplank outside her home as her motor enters.

  8. Chapter 8

    VIII

    Leilah returns home to find Verplank waiting for her. He confronts her angrily about her disappearance and divorce, accusing her of treachery. Leilah reveals she left because she believes they are siblings based on incriminating letters. Verplank dismisses the claim as nonsense and vows to investigate by seeing his mother and possibly Leilah's father. After Verplank leaves, Barouffski returns and taunts Leilah with a veiled threat about her conduct.

  9. Chapter 9

    IX

    The duel between Verplank and Barouffski is arranged after a dispute over Verplank's attempt to address Leilah. Barouffski wins the choice of weapons and selects foils. During the duel, Barouffski lunges prematurely, wounding Verplank in the cheek. Leilah appears and interrupts, causing confusion. Verplank tells her 'At five,' and she repeats it. After the duel is called off, Barouffski suspiciously questions Leilah about the meaning of 'five' and orders a footman to be ready at that time.

  10. Chapter 10

    Chapter X

    After the violent attack by Barouffski's dogs, Leilah is left traumatized and anxious. Violet visits and advises her to buy off Barouffski and avoid scandal. Leilah prays to the Lords of Karma for guidance and peace.

  11. Chapter 11

    XI

    Leilah, torn between her contempt for Barouffski and her lingering love for Verplank, decides to attend the Opéra with Barouffski as a gesture of defiance. At the Opéra, Violet Silverstairs criticizes Leilah's association with d'Arcy and her visits to Verplank. Leilah, having secretly planned to leave with Verplank, agrees to go with him openly the next day, stipulating that he must fetch her from the Rue de la Pompe.

  12. Chapter 12

    XII

    At a dinner party hosted by Barouffski, tensions escalate between him and Leilah as she openly flirts with d'Arcy. Barouffski's attempts to control her are met with defiance, culminating in him throwing wine at d'Arcy. The party breaks up in awkwardness, with Violet Silverstairs planning to visit Leilah the next day.

  13. Chapter 13

    XIII

    Leilah receives news that Barouffski has been killed in a duel with D'Arcy, and she and Verplank begin to plan a new life together. Violet Silverstairs visits and presses Leilah about her intentions, while Leilah wrestles with guilt, theosophical reflections, and the impossibility of remaining with Barouffski.

The Monster — Chapters Explained