The chapter begins with a continuation of Seward's diary. He writes that the funeral is held the next day. On the day after that, Arthur has to return to his own estate to bury his father, who just died. Van Helsing insists on dealing with Lucy's papers.
Throughout his description of the funeral, he, Van Helsing and Arthur, as well as the funeral director, all feel that Lucy looks disturbingly lifelike in death.
Van Helsing places garlic in the coffin and a golden crucifix on her mouth. He then quietly recruits Seward to help him cut off Lucy's head and take out her heart. When Seward objects, Van Helsing cites their friendship, love and trust, and reminds him that when he refused Arthur the chance to kiss his dying love, Lucy actually thanked him. Seward promises to follow his colleague's wishes, no matter how strange. However, Van Helsing tells him later that it is not necessary to disturb her yet, as someone removed the crucifix from her mouth. Seward is left confused.
Mrs. Westenra's solicitor informs the doctors that the entire estate is left to Holmwood, who, through the unfortunate loss of his father and his lover, is now the Lord Godalming, master of two estates. The Lord Godalming tells Seward he knows of the mutual affection between him and Lucy, thanks him for all his help, then breaks down crying.
After dinner, Van Helsing tries to address Arthur as 'Lord'. Arthur refuses the title in the company of his friend, and the two of them secure their love and trust for one another. Van Helsing later confides to Seward that Arthur reminds him of his dead son. Once their friendship is fixed, the professor asks Arthur for the right to control Lucy's papers for the time being. Arthur gladly grants him that right. Van Helsing tells them they have a difficult journey ahead of themselves but must be brave and unselfish.
Mina Harker begins her journal again, on the train to Exeter. She writes of walking through London with Jonathan after Mr. Hawkins' funeral. Jonathan became suddenly disturbed. "He was very pale, and his eyes seemed bulging out as, half in terror and half in amazement, he gazed at a tall, thin man, with a beaky nose and black moustache and pointed beard..." Chapter 13, pg. 189 Mina drew him away, not knowing what he was babbling about, and found a shady spot where Jonathan fell asleep. When he woke, he seemed to have forgotten the entire incident. She realizes that she will soon have to open his journal.
When she gets home, she receives a telegram from a stranger, Van Helsing, telling her that her friends Lucy and Mrs. Westenra have died.
Seward writes in his diary that Arthur has gone with Quincey to bury his father. He reflects upon Quincey's moral strength, applauding Americans in general.
Arthur mentions that he feels like he and Lucy were married, as they shared blood through the transfusion. The other three silently agree never to tell him of the other transfusions.
Van Helsing, in the presence of Seward alone, has a sort of breakdown and begins to laugh at all of the bitter ironies involved in the situation, meaning the post-mortem beauty, the implied polygamy, and the strange instance of death as a beginning. Seward ends his diary.
In The Westminster Gazette, two articles are printed about a series of strange related cases. A number of children have been missed for no longer than a night after playing on the Heath. They all talk of being with what has come to be known as the 'Bloofer Lady,' and they all return with neck wounds.
