# Chapter XII explained — Indian Summer

> Chapter companion for Indian Summer by William Dean Howells.

## What happens

Colville prepares to leave Florence after a misunderstanding with Mrs. Bowen, but financial difficulties delay his departure. He confides in Rev. Mr. Waters, who mistakenly thinks Colville proposed to Mrs. Bowen. Colville clarifies he did not, but feels he can no longer remain in Florence. He borrows money from Mr. Waters and decides to stay until Monday, writing a letter to Mrs. Bowen to assure her he will not trouble her again. The chapter ends with Colville receiving a mysterious letter late at night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disillusionment and Regret

Colville's aimless existence and regret over his actions with Mrs. Bowen dominate his thoughts.

### Social Convention and Propriety

Colville's concern about propriety and his need to leave Florence to avoid further embarrassment highlight social constraints.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Colville

Struggles with his decision to leave Florence, financial embarrassment, and his feelings for Mrs. Bowen and Imogene Graham.

### Rev. Mr. Waters

Visits Colville, misunderstands his situation, offers sympathy and a loan, and provides fatherly advice.

### Mrs. Bowen

Referenced as the cause of Colville's distress; she informed Mr. Waters of Colville's departure.

### Imogene Graham

Mentioned as occupying Colville's thoughts during the opera.

## Key lines

> She was very forbearing, he said, with bitterness that might well have been incomprehensible to Mr. Waters upon any theory but one.

Colville bitterly remarked that Mrs. Bowen had been restrained, a comment that only made sense if Mr. Waters assumed Colville had proposed to her.

_Colville's bitterness reveals his frustration with the misunderstanding._

> I find myself in the absurd position of a man who has reckoned without his host.

Colville admits he made plans without ensuring he had enough money.

_Highlights Colville's financial predicament and his embarrassment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_summer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indian_summer_se/chapters