# VII explained — Interim

> Chapter companion for Interim by Dorothy M. Richardson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Memory and the Past

Miriam reflects on her prayerbook, Bella de Castro, and her memories of Sybil and Bunnikin, showing how the past intrudes on the present.

### Gossip and Social Judgment

Dr. Hurd's gossip about Dr. von Heber's past and Miriam's reaction to it illustrate the role of gossip in social circles.

### Solitude and Self-Discovery

Miriam's solitary piano playing and her internal reflections reveal her isolation and search for self-understanding.

## Character check-ins

### Miriam

Reflects on her prayerbook, her past, and her feelings for Dr. von Heber; plays piano to hide from the Baileys.

### Dr. von Heber

Borrows Miriam's prayerbook to go to church; his presence and past are discussed.

### Dr. Hurd

Gossips about Dr. von Heber's past and ambitions; described as an old gossip.

### Bella de Castro

Her inscription in Miriam's prayerbook is remembered.

### Mr. Bowdoin

Mentioned in Miriam's thoughts about his touchiness and her forgotten memories.

## Key lines

> The pencilled Miriam gave a false meaning to the prayerbook.

Writing her name in the prayerbook felt like a lie, as if she was misrepresenting herself.

_Miriam feels that her inscription is inauthentic, reflecting her inner conflict._

> He had come up and made a scene and interrupted her; that her chosen evening was to sit, with the Baileys, playing the piano; that she was not a churchgoer.

She imagines telling Dr. von Heber that he disturbed her evening and that she doesn't go to church.

_Miriam's imagined reproach shows her defensiveness and discomfort with the situation._

> Dr. Hurd is a dead, dead old woman. Handling things like an old man.

Miriam thinks Dr. Hurd is like an old gossipy woman, meddling in others' affairs.

_Her harsh judgment of Dr. Hurd reveals her frustration with gossip._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/interim_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/interim_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/interim_se/chapters