Part Two, Chapter Nine Summary

In this final chapter, Niel is both eager to be getting back to his studies and at the same time sad to be leaving the town in which he grew up because he feels there will be nothing to come back to. He finds he is angry with Mrs. Forrester because she prefers to continue life, even though life has changed. Niel leaves without saying goodbye to the lady. He feels only contempt for her as he watches her allow Ivy Peters put his arms around her from behind as she makes pastries at the kitchen table. Niel swears he will never go to her house again. He feels betrayed by her actions. He is happy only that he helped Captain Forrester to die peacefully.

In Boston, Niel gets news of Mrs. Forrester occasionally. She is seen...