# LXV explained — The Old Curiosity Shop > Chapter companion for The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. ## What happens The Marchioness, sent by Dick Swiveller, ventures out alone to fetch Mr. Abel Garland. After a perilous journey through the streets, she catches up to his pony chaise and delivers an urgent message about Kit's innocence. She leads Mr. Abel to Swiveller's sickroom, where Dick, recovering from a severe illness, insists Mr. Abel act immediately to save Kit. ## Themes in this chapter ### Sacrifice and Devotion The Marchioness risks her safety and endures hardship to deliver a crucial message for Kit's sake. ### Class and Social Hierarchy The Marchioness's lowly status is highlighted by her worn clothing and the condescension she faces, yet she plays a pivotal role. ## Character check-ins ### The Marchioness Acts as a messenger, braving the streets alone to fetch Mr. Abel Garland and guide him to Swiveller's lodging. ### Richard Swiveller Lying ill in bed, he orchestrates the plan to save Kit by sending the Marchioness for Mr. Abel. ### Abel Garland Summoned by the Marchioness, he is informed of Kit's situation and urged to act quickly. ### Mr. Chuckster Seen at the notary's office preparing to leave for the night. ### Christopher Nubbles Referenced as the one whose innocence can be proven and who needs saving. ## Key lines > It was well for the small servant that she was of a sharp, quick nature, or the consequence of sending her out alone, from the very neighbourhood in which it was most dangerous for her to appear, would probably have been the restoration of Miss Sally Brass to the supreme authority over her person. The Marchioness's cleverness saved her from being recaptured by Sally Brass when she was sent out alone in a dangerous area. _Highlights the Marchioness's resourcefulness and the risk she faces._ > As carrier-pigeons, on being first let loose in a strange place, beat the air at random for a short time, before darting off towards the spot for which they are designed, so did the Marchioness flutter round and round until she believed herself in safety, and then bear swiftly down upon the port for which she was bound. Like a pigeon finding its bearings, the Marchioness wandered cautiously until she felt safe, then hurried directly to her destination. _Simile emphasizing her cautious yet determined journey._ > The pony made a moment's pause; but as if it occurred to him that to stop when he was required might be to establish an inconvenient and dangerous precedent, he immediately started off again, rattled at a fast trot to the street-corner, wheeled round, came back, and then stopped of his own accord. The pony briefly paused, then seemed to rebel against obeying commands, so he bolted off, circled the corner, and only stopped when he chose to. _Comic description of the pony's willful behavior._ > I say, sir — Don't be frightened, sir. Oh I've run such a way after you! The Marchioness calls out to Mr. Abel from behind, startling him, and explains she has been chasing him. _Shows her desperation and the urgency of her message._ > An't it nice to see him lying there so quiet? Oh! you'd say it was, if you had only seen him two or three days ago. The Marchioness remarks on how peaceful Swiveller looks now compared to his earlier severe illness. _Indicates Swiveller's recent recovery from a dangerous state._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/lxv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters