The Archdeacon and Dr. Harding go into town to pick up Eleanor's mail and discover the letter from Mr. Slope. The Archdeacon uses this as a sign that Eleanor has disgraced herself by receiving letters from Mr. Slope and makes many negative comments about her moral character. Dr. Harding is nervous about Eleanor's possible relationship with Mr. Slope but refuses to draw any lines in the sand or take any stand that might hurt his relationship with her.
The letter is given to Eleanor, who rejoices about the news it contains about her father but is disgusted by Mr. Slope's romantic overtures. The rest of the house knows about the letter and is discussing her relationship with Mr. Slope behind her back. Eleanor does not understand why everyone is so angry at her all.....
