The Old Wives’ Tale · Chapter
The Meeting explained
Constance prepares meticulously for Sophia's arrival, airing out their old bedroom and setting the drawing room with care.
What happens
Constance prepares meticulously for Sophia's arrival, airing out their old bedroom and setting the drawing room with care. She decides to meet Sophia at the Knype station, choosing the train over the tram to avoid gossip. Meanwhile, Sophia reflects on her return to Bursley, contrasting the provincial life with her experiences in Paris, and contemplates her past and the sale of her pension.
Themes in this chapter
Provincial Life vs. Worldly Experience
Sophia contrasts the provinciality of Bursley with the sophistication of Paris, while Constance's careful preparations highlight the pride and limitations of provincial life.
Passage of Time and Aging
Constance reflects on her youth and the passage of time, feeling old at fifty-one, while Sophia contemplates the years of her life in Paris and the changes they have brought.
Female Identity and Independence
Sophia's successful sale of her pension and her independent life in Paris contrast with Constance's domestic existence, exploring different paths for women.
Characters to notice
- Constance Baines
Constance is anxious and excited about Sophia's visit, preparing the house with great care and deciding on her attire to maintain dignity without appearing overly eager.
- Sophia Baines
Sophia observes Constance's provincial life with a mix of criticism and admiration, reflecting on her own past in Paris and the sale of her pension.
- Amy Bates
Amy assists Constance with preparations and helps her dress, offering advice on the train schedule and managing the household.
- Spot
Spot, the dog, escapes into the street, causing a brief commotion before being retrieved by Amy.
- Mr. Critchlow
Sophia thinks of Mr. Critchlow, admiring his brutal force and his marriage to Maria, though she does not understand his past feelings.
Key passages
“At half-past one Constance was dressed, with the exception of her gloves. She looked at the clock a second time to make sure that she might safely glance round the house without fear of missing the train.”
Constance was fully dressed except for her gloves, and she checked the clock again to ensure she had enough time to inspect the house before the train.
Shows Constance's meticulous nature and anxiety about Sophia's arrival.
“She could not understand why Constance had remained in the house. Constance had plenty of money and might live where she liked, and in a good modern house. Yet she stayed in the Square.”
Sophia was puzzled that Constance, who could afford a better home, chose to stay in the old, inconvenient house in the Square.
Highlights the contrast between Sophia's worldly perspective and Constance's attachment to tradition.
“She saw supreme in Constance that quality which she had recognized in the porters at Newhaven on landing—the quality of an honest and naive goodwill, of powerful simplicity.”
Sophia admired in Constance the same honest, simple goodwill she had noticed in the porters when she returned to England.
Reveals Sophia's appreciation for English sincerity despite her criticism of provincial life.