# XVIII explained — The Necromancers

> Chapter companion for The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson.

## What happens

In the early morning after the spiritual battle, Maggie wakes to find Laurie asleep in the smoking room. They share a quiet, contemplative moment as dawn breaks on Easter Day. Laurie suggests they never speak of the night's events again, and Maggie agrees. They both feel a sense of cleansing and renewal, and Laurie seems on the verge of expressing something deeper, but the chapter ends with him simply saying her name.

## Themes in this chapter

### Psychological vs. Supernatural

The aftermath of the spiritual storm is depicted as a psychological cleansing, with the characters emerging into a 'clear shining after rain.'

### Love and Sacrifice

Maggie's unspoken love for Laurie and her willingness to let him speak first, despite her fear, reflects a quiet sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Maggie Deronnais

Wakes after the ordeal, feels cleansed and perceives a spiritual connection with Laurie.

### Laurie Baxter

Awakens quietly, agrees to never speak of the events, appears transformed and contemplative.

## Key lines

> Maggie,” he said, “I think we had best never speak of this again to one another.”

Laurie suggests they keep the night's events private and never discuss them.

_Shows their mutual decision to move on without explanation._

> It is Easter Day, Laurie.

Maggie notes the significance of the day, implying a resurrection or new beginning.

_Connects the personal renewal to the Christian holiday._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_necromancers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters