# LXII explained — The Painted Veil

> Chapter companion for The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

In the middle of the night, Kitty is awakened by urgent knocking and learns from Waddington that Walter has fallen ill with cholera. She rushes with him across the river and through the dark, silent streets to reach Walter before it is too late.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Growth

Kitty is forced to confront the reality of Walter's mortal illness, a moment of intense suffering that may catalyze her emotional and moral development.

### Sacrifice and Service

Walter's overwork and refusal to send for Kitty earlier highlight his self-sacrificing dedication to his medical duties even at the cost of his own health.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Awakened in the night, she dresses hastily and travels with Waddington to see her ill husband, feeling anguish and fear.

### Waddington

Brings the news of Walter's illness to Kitty and accompanies her through the night to the Yamen.

### Walter Fane

Has fallen ill with cholera; Kitty is rushing to his side.

### Colonel Yü

Sent the officer to fetch Waddington and Kitty; has been with Walter throughout his illness.

## Key lines

> He was taken ill this afternoon, the afternoon of yesterday that is

Walter fell ill the previous afternoon.

_Waddington informs Kitty of when Walter's illness began._

> Your husband knew that you had never seen anyone with cholera. It’s a terrible and revolting sight. He didn’t want you to see it.

Walter spared Kitty from witnessing the horrors of cholera because he knew she had never seen it before.

_Waddington explains why Walter did not send for Kitty earlier._

> I only know the message Colonel Yü gave to this officer who came and fetched me. As far as I can judge collapse has set in.

Based on Colonel Yü's message, Waddington believes Walter's condition has deteriorated to the point of collapse.

_Waddington relays the severity of Walter's condition to Kitty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters/lxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_painted_veil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_painted_veil_se/chapters