# XVI explained — The Dewy Morn

> Chapter companion for The Dewy Morn by Richard Jefferies.

## What happens

Martial observes Felise from a distance, suspecting her fishing is a pretense to meet him. He follows her, noting her behavior, and grows puzzled when she visits his house under the guise of fatigue. Felise, meanwhile, cultivates a friendship with Miss Barnard to create a connection with Martial, though he remains skeptical of her motives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Jealousy

Martial's intense surveillance of Felise and his jealous reaction to the possibility of a lover reveal his hidden obsession.

### Deception and Pretense

Felise's feigned fatigue and fishing, along with Martial's self-deception about his indifference, highlight the theme of deceit.

## Character check-ins

### Martial Barnard

Observes Felise from hiding, follows her, and questions her intentions; resolves to avoid romantic folly.

### Felise Goring

Fishes as a pretense to linger near Martial's property; visits his house and befriends Miss Barnard to advance her scheme.

### Miss Barnard (eldest)

Hosts Felise, shares her Dante collection, and is invited to Beechknoll; unwittingly aids Felise's plan.

## Key lines

> He did not believe that she had called merely from fatigue, nor that she felt any interest in Dante. What, then, was her object⁠—could it possibly be himself?

Martial doubted Felise's excuses and wondered if her true aim was to see him.

_Martial's suspicion of Felise's motives deepens._

> Unscrupulous Felise⁠—has love ever any scruples?⁠—pressed Miss Barnard to visit them at Beechknoll, and at last, having stayed as long as possible, left, not at all dissatisfied.

Felise, driven by love, manipulated the visit to forge a connection between the households.

_Felise's calculated actions to advance her romantic goal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-i-xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters