# The Monster — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Monster by Edgar Saltus.

- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/i.md): 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 h
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/ii.md): 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
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/iii.md): 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. Meanwhi
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/iv.md): 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
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/v.md): 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 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/vi.md): 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 doctrine
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/vii.md): 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 
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/viii.md): 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 incri
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/ix.md): 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, wou
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/x.md): 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.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/xi.md): 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 associatio
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/xii.md): 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. T
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/xiii.md): 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 wrestle

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters