Chapter XV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Secrecy and Blackmail

  The anonymous letter and Jane's hidden child highlight secrets and potential blackmail.

• Family and Betrayal

  Peter's father's affair with Princess Bellini and Jane's betrayal of her marriage are central.

• Gender and Power

  Jane's role in child welfare committees contrasts with her personal powerlessness; Leslie's independence is notable.

Characters to notice

• Leslie Maughan

  Lunches with Jane, discusses her feelings for Peter, and investigates the anonymous letter.

• Jane Raytham

  Confesses her selfishness about her child, discusses her marriage to Lord Raytham, and her past with Peter.

• Peter Dawlish

  Visits Leslie, shares his father's history with Princess Bellini, and gives her the anonymous letter.

• Lucretia Brown

  Draws curtains, expresses fear of staying in the flat, and comments on shingling and Princess Bellini.

• Princess Anita Bellini

  Described by Peter as a devil; revealed to have had a past relationship with Peter's father.

• Mr. Coldwell

  Calls Leslie with instructions to be ready to leave the flat.

Key passages

• “I salved my conscience by expressing doubt as to the validity of the marriage.”

  I eased my guilt by questioning whether the marriage was legally valid.

  Leslie reflects on her role in the deception about Jane's marriage.

• “I’m not in love with her at all. I suppose I ought to be, right down in the deeps of my heart, but I’m not.”

  I don't love her, even though I feel I should deep down.

  Peter admits to Leslie that he does not love Jane.

• “She’s just a devil, a wicked devil! How my father hated her! I’ve an idea he was a bit afraid of her, too.”

  She is an evil person; my father both hated and feared her.

  Peter expresses his hatred for Princess Bellini and reveals his father's fear of her.