Interim · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Interim by Dorothy M. Richardson.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The book is dedicated to F. de B.
Chapter 2
Interim
Miriam reflects on the transient nature of her life at the Baileys' boarding house, observing the comings and goings of various boarders and the shifting social dynamics. She contemplates her own position as an observer, the passage of time, and the quiet routines that define her days.
Chapter 3
Chapter I
Miriam spends Christmas with the Philps family, feeling out of place and nostalgic. The conversation turns to memories of childhood toys and Christmas traditions, highlighting Miriam's sense of alienation and her vivid inner world. She clashes with Grace over social obligations, revealing tensions about class and propriety.
Chapter 4
II
Miriam, suffering from a cold, navigates the freezing January streets and returns to the Baileys' boarding house, now filled with boarders. She feels the house has changed, losing its private warmth. Mrs. Bailey asks her to give French lessons to Sissie, and Miriam reluctantly agrees. She reflects on spending New Year's Eve alone, finding peace in solitude and making resolutions for a new life of inward calm and detachment.
Chapter 5
III
Miriam returns to the Baileys' boarding house, feeling the weight of her role as Sissie's French teacher. She observes the household's dynamics, including a new manservant and the presence of Mr. Mendizabal, a foreign visitor. A lively conversation in French with Mr. Mendizabal sparks a sense of cosmopolitan connection, contrasting with the stifling atmosphere of the house. The chapter explores themes of performance, authenticity, and the search for a broader intellectual world.
Chapter 6
IV
Miriam shares a late-night conversation with Dr. von Heber, feeling a profound connection and learning about the London medical world. She receives a letter from Eve announcing her move to London for a floral decoration course, which fills Miriam with excitement. Later, she reflects on prayer and humanity during a train ride, and struggles with hunger, eventually entering a restaurant alone.
Chapter 7
Chapter V
Miriam visits Mr. Bowdoin's basement room in Farringdon Road, where he shows her his watercolor sketches. She feels out of place and struggles with the bohemian atmosphere. Other guests arrive, including Miss Rogers and Miss Henderson, and Mr. Bowdoin plays a sonata. Later, Miriam walks through the city at twilight, feeling a sense of freedom and anticipation for Eve's arrival.
Chapter 8
VI
Miriam returns to the Baileys' boarding house and has dinner with the family and boarders. She feels a sense of belonging and independence, but also resents Mrs. Bailey's public familiarity. Later, she goes for a walk with Mr. Mendizabal, experiencing a sense of freedom and companionship in the city streets.
Chapter 9
VII
Miriam finds her old prayerbook and scribbles her name in it, reflecting on Bella de Castro's inscription. She brings it downstairs to Dr. von Heber, who has come to borrow it for church, but their interaction is awkward and formal. Miriam plays the piano to hide from the Baileys, while Dr. Hurd's gossip about von Heber's past and ambitions weighs on her mind. She also recalls memories of Sybil and Bunnikin, and reflects on the nature of men, gossip, and her own isolation.
Chapter 10
VIII
A day of blazing heat changes the season, and Miriam finds a new sense of peace and renewal. She reflects on the beauty of summer, the contrast between her own life and the leisured lives of others, and the possibility of finding coolness and tranquility within the sweltering city. She discovers the balcony at the Baileys' house as a retreat, where she can sit and watch the evening sky, feeling rested and connected to a deeper sense of life.
Chapter 11
IX
Mrs. Bailey visits Miriam's room to discuss gossip about Mr. Mendizabal and Dr. von Heber, revealing that Dr. von Heber believed a false rumor about Miriam. Miriam reflects on the nature of gossip, her own independence, and her memories of Ireland and past relationships.
Chapter 12
X
After Eleanor's departure, Miriam faces Mrs. Bailey's unspoken accusations about Eleanor's behavior. Mrs. Bailey hints at a mysterious flaw in Eleanor's character, while Miriam deflects and defends her friend. The conversation reveals Mrs. Bailey's grievances and her plans to advertise for Canadian boarders, shifting the house's atmosphere.
Chapter 13
Chapter XI
Miriam wakes early on a hazy August morning, feeling a sense of lightness and vitality. She discovers a package from Eleanor addressed to Mr. Rodkin, which stirs unease and relief at Eleanor's departure. At breakfast, she encounters Mrs. Bailey with an Irishman and a stout, bearded man who loudly recites poetry, creating a surreal atmosphere.
