Chance · Chapter
IV: The Governess explained
Marlow recounts the governess's plot to abandon Flora de Barral.
What happens
Marlow recounts the governess's plot to abandon Flora de Barral. The governess, with her supposed nephew Charley, plans to leave Flora just as her father's financial empire collapses. Flora, unaware, enjoys a final ride with Charley, while the governess packs her belongings. The chapter ends with the governess and Charley confronting Flora, who senses their sinister intentions.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Illusion
The governess and Charley deceive Flora and the Fynes, hiding their true intentions until the moment of abandonment.
Social Class and Wealth
The governess's role and actions are shaped by her position in the household and the wealth of the de Barral family.
Family and Parental Failure
Flora's father is absent and failing, and the governess, who acts as a surrogate mother, ultimately betrays her.
Characters to notice
- Flora de Barral
The young heiress, unaware of the impending betrayal, enjoys her last ride with Charley and is later confronted by the governess.
- Marlow
Narrates the story, speculating on the motives and actions of the governess and Charley.
- Fyne
Observes the events from his window, concerned about Flora's situation and the governess's intentions.
- Mrs. Fyne
Shares her husband's concern, noting Flora's fondness for Charley and her own powerlessness to warn her.
- Mr. Smith
The governess's supposed nephew, who arrives with news of de Barral's financial troubles and participates in the plot to abandon Flora.
Key passages
“Mere libertinage of thought; whereas the other woman, the governess of Flora de Barral, was, as you may have noticed, severely practical—terribly practical.”
The governess was extremely pragmatic, unlike others who might be more fanciful.
Highlights the governess's practical nature, which drives her actions.
“She came out of her own sitting-room with red spots on her cheekbones, which having provoked a question from her 'beloved' charge, were accounted for by a curt 'I have a headache coming on.'”
The governess emerged from her room with flushed cheeks, and when Flora asked, she claimed a headache was coming on.
Shows the governess's deception and her ability to hide her true emotions.
“The delightful Charley walked in, with his eyes fixed on the back of her governess whose raised veil hid her forehead like a brown band above the black line of the eyebrows.”
Charley entered, staring at the governess, whose veil obscured her forehead.
Describes the tense atmosphere as the confrontation begins.