The Painted Veil · Chapter
LXII explained
In the middle of the night, Kitty is awakened by urgent knocking and learns from Waddington that Walter has fallen ill with cholera.
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.
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 Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, Kitty reaches an emotional and psychological peak by confronting her own shame and humility i…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
