The Ladies Lindores · Chapter
Chapter XXXIX explained
Rolls disappears after consulting Mr.
What happens
Rolls disappears after consulting Mr. Monypenny, leaving Dalrulzian in distress. Bauby Rolls struggles to maintain composure while serving Beaufort, and later worries about her brother's whereabouts. Rolls, meanwhile, undertakes a solemn pilgrimage to Edinburgh, visiting historic sites before returning to the scene of Torrance's death, preparing for a momentous act of self-sacrifice.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Lord Lindores’s internal…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Grief and Liberation
Bauby's grief over John's imprisonment and Rolls's absence contrasts with Rolls's solemn preparation for a liberating act of self-sacrifice.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Bauby maintains a brave face for Beaufort while hiding her deep anxiety; Rolls's tourist-like demeanor conceals his grave purpose.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Beaufort
Guest at Dalrulzian; comforts Bauby Rolls and assures her of John's return.
- Mr. Rolls
Absent from Dalrulzian; travels to Edinburgh on a solemn pilgrimage, then visits the scene of Torrance's death.
- Mr. Monypenny
Consulted by Rolls before his disappearance.
- John Erskine
Imprisoned; his absence causes distress at Dalrulzian.
- Patrick Torrance
Deceased; the scene of his death is revisited by Rolls.
Key passages
“Maister John in jyal! and oor Tammas gone after him; and what will I say to his mammaw?”
Bauby laments that John is in jail and Tammas has disappeared, worrying about what to tell his mother.
Expresses the household's distress over John's imprisonment and Rolls's absence.
“He had seen the best that earth contained, and now was ready for the worst, whatever that might be.”
Rolls felt he had experienced all that life could offer and was now prepared to face any fate.
Highlights Rolls's solemn resignation and readiness for his self-sacrificial plan.
