Summary

As a long term prisoner, Paul’s days at Blackstone have to end, and he is transferred to the Convict Settlement at Egdon Heath. He sees a newspaper with a picture of Margot and Peter, announcing their return from Corfu, and the news that Bobby Pastmaster has died and Peter has succeeded to the title.

This reminder sets him thinking once again of the events resulting directly from his association with the Beste-Chetwyndes. He feels that despite his conviction, there could have been no other outcome, that Margot could simply not have been imprisoned for her deeds. Instead, it had to be him, and he thinks with resentment about the code of honor that forced him to chivalrously accept the blame and helped Margot escape the consequences of her nefarious activities.

On arrival at Egdon Heath Paul is unsurprised to be reunited with his old...