# XX: He Dines Out, Impeded by Superstitions explained — The Cords of Vanity

> Chapter companion for The Cords of Vanity by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

The narrator dines at the Provises' and re-encounters Elena Barry-Smith, now married. He confesses his love and recalls their first meeting in Liège, while navigating social pressures and his own superstitions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Romantic Idealism vs. Reality

The narrator's idealized love for Elena clashes with the reality of her marriage.

### Love and Its Disillusionments

The narrator's love is complicated by Elena's marital status and his own regrets.

### Vanity and Self-Deception

The narrator's self-critical inner monologue reveals his own vanity and delusions.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator dines with Elena and reflects on his love and past engagement.

### Elena Barry-Smith

Elena is present at the dinner; the narrator confesses his love to her despite her marriage.

### Rosalind Jemmett

Mentioned in the narrator's thoughts as the woman he broke off his engagement with.

### Mrs. Clement Dumby

A dining dowager who interacts with the narrator and warns Elena about him.

### Kittie Provis

Hostess of the dinner; she seated the narrator next to Aunt Marcia.

### Aunt Marcia

The narrator's aunt, seated nearby and listening to his conversation with Elena.

## Key lines

> I have always loved you, I think, since the moment my eyes first fell upon you in that—other pink thing.

The narrator declares his love for Elena, claiming it began when he first saw her.

_A direct confession of love during the dinner conversation._

> And so I knocked about the world, in various places, hoping against hope that at last—

The narrator describes his aimless travels, always hoping to meet Elena again.

_Reflects his longing and the theme of romantic idealism._

> I had always known that somewhere, somehow, you would come into my life again. It has been my dream all these two years; but I dream carelessly. My visions had not included this—obstacle.

The narrator admits he always expected to reunite with Elena, but not that she would be married.

_Highlights the conflict between his dreams and reality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xx-he-dines-out-impeded-by-superstitions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters