X explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gossip and Social Judgment

  Mrs. Bailey's veiled accusations and the Hurds' gossip about Eleanor illustrate the power of social judgment in the boarding house.

• Social Performance and Authenticity

  Miriam and Mrs. Bailey engage in polite conversation while harboring hidden resentments, highlighting the performative nature of social interactions.

• Class and Respectability

  Mrs. Bailey's concerns about Eleanor's behavior and the C.O.S. discussion reflect class-based notions of respectability and charity.

Characters to notice

• Miriam

  Confronts Mrs. Bailey about Eleanor, defends her friend, and feels the crumbling of the house's old sense.

• Mrs. Bailey

  Expresses her grievances about Eleanor, hints at a bad opinion, and plans to advertise for Canadian boarders.

• Eleanor

  Departed, but her character and actions are the subject of Mrs. Bailey's criticism and Miriam's defense.

• Dr. von Heber

  Mentioned as having opened a letter and expected to return, giving Miriam a sense of support.

• Dr. Hurd

  Referenced as part of the Hurds, who advised Mrs. Bailey and spread gossip about Eleanor.

Key passages

• “It’s the way of people I look to.”

  Mrs. Bailey hints at a pattern of behavior she disapproves of in Eleanor.

  Mrs. Bailey is implying that Eleanor has a character flaw without stating it directly.

• “I’m the last to be down on anyone in difficulties”

  Mrs. Bailey claims she is not judgmental of those in trouble.

  She says this before revealing her negative opinion of Eleanor, showing her self-justification.

• “She’d be clever to get anything out of any of them.”

  Miriam doubts Eleanor could have manipulated the other boarders.

  Miriam defends Eleanor by suggesting she wouldn't have gained anything from the other residents.