The Mysterious Benedict Society: Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

At lunch, Reynie and Sticky tell Constance and Kate about their encounters with S.Q. and Martina. Kate is furious about how Martina is treating them, but Reynie is distracted by Constance’s horrible table manners. Her rudeness makes him sad, as he realizes that she has never had someone to teach her courtesy. Reynie and Sticky order their lunches from a Helper, and they both reflect on the deference that Mr. Curtain demands from the Helpers. They are not allowed to speak to or make eye contact with the students, and any time Reynie tries to greet the Helpers, they seem uncomfortable.

The rest of the day follows a similar pattern: Reynie is pleased by his and Sticky’s academic success, then he is dismayed by the glares that their success inspires from Martina and other students. Kate and Constance continue to fail the Institute’s constant quizzes. After classes, the Mysterious Benedict Society meets in the plaza. Instead of talking, they watch Mr. Curtain, who is also in the plaza. He sits in his wheelchair going through a stack of papers and making occasional notes in a large book. Eventually, Mr. Curtain turns and leaves.

Students are not allowed in each other’s rooms, since that would encourage private meetings, and secrets at the Institute are reserved for Messengers and Executives. In the evening, the children linger together outside Reynie and Sticky’s room to eavesdrop on other students. During this time, Jackson marches down the hall and commands a Messenger to go to the Waiting Room, by order of Mr. Curtain. The Messenger is horrified, but Jackson coerces him into obedience. Another girl in the hall bursts into tears at the mere mention of the Waiting Room. The children of the Mysterious Benedict Society exchange nervous glances, and Constance says that they should probably avoid being sent to the Waiting Room.