# XLVIII: Countercheck explained — Romola

> Chapter companion for Romola by George Eliot.

## What happens

Tito confronts Romola about her public interference, demanding she refrain from meddling in his affairs. Romola, initially repentant, is met with cold superiority and a veiled threat that her actions could lead to disaster. She attempts to bridge the gap between them by confessing her distrust and pleading for honesty, but Tito deflects, offering a false explanation about the old man (Baldassarre) and dismissing her concerns. The chapter ends with both feeling more isolated: Romola despairs of ever being united with her husband, while Tito begins to contemplate leaving her behind in his plans for the future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Tito's false explanation about Baldassarre and his hidden intentions to leave Romola highlight the theme of deception in their marriage.

### Female Agency and Marriage

Romola's attempt to assert herself is met with Tito's demand for submission, illustrating the constraints on women in marriage.

### Love and Selfishness

Tito's self-centered desire to be free from Romola contrasts with Romola's yearning for a genuine connection.

## Character check-ins

### Romola de' Bardi

Feels penitent for her public outburst, seeks reconciliation, but is met with coldness. She confesses her distrust and pleads for honesty, but is left in despair.

### Tito Melema

Determined to assert mastery over Romola, he coldly warns her against interference. He deflects her questions about Baldassarre with a false story and begins to contemplate leaving her.

### Baldassarre Calvo

Referenced by Romola as the old man she saw in the Duomo and later revived. Tito falsely claims he is dead, but Romola knows he is alive.

### Dolfo Spini

Mentioned as having had a troublesome interview with Tito after the failed ambush, indicating ongoing political intrigue.

## Key lines

> It is time that we should understand each other.

We need to clarify our relationship.

_Tito initiates a confrontation, setting the tone for the chapter._

> Your impetuosity about trifles, Romola, has a freezing influence that would cool the baths of Nero.

Your rashness over trivial matters is extremely off-putting.

_Tito dismisses Romola's concerns with a cutting remark._

> Unless misery should come and join us!

Only suffering might bring us together.

_Romola's despairing thought about the possibility of reconciliation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters/xlviii-countercheck
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romola_se/chapters