# X explained — Interim

> Chapter companion for Interim by Dorothy M. Richardson.

## What happens

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.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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