# LXVII explained — The Painted Veil

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

## What happens

Kitty returns to the convent after Walter's death. The Mother Superior greets her, praising her courage and wisdom in returning to work so soon. Kitty, hiding her true feelings, accepts the Mother Superior's sympathy and is assigned new tasks.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Growth

Kitty returns to work at the convent soon after Walter's death, demonstrating resilience and a turn toward purposeful action.

### Self-Deception and Truth

Kitty hides her true feelings from the Mother Superior, indicating ongoing self-deception about her grief and motives.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Fane

Returns to the convent after Walter's death, hiding her true emotions from the Mother Superior.

### Mother Superior

Greets Kitty warmly, praises her courage, and assigns her tasks at the convent.

## Key lines

> I am glad to see you, my dear child. You show a fine courage in coming back here so soon after your great sorrow; and wisdom, for I am sure that a little work will keep you from brooding.

The Mother Superior welcomes Kitty back, commending her bravery and suggesting that staying busy will help her cope with grief.

_The Mother Superior's encouragement reflects the theme of using work as a means of healing._

> Kitty cast down her eyes, reddening a little; she did not want the Mother Superior to see into her heart.

Kitty looks down and blushes, unwilling to reveal her true emotions to the Mother Superior.

_Kitty's guarded reaction highlights her internal conflict and reluctance to confront her own feelings._

## Links

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