The chapter starts with Michael still dreading Newson's return. We also see Farfrae deciding not to pursue the people who planned the "skimmity-ride" in consideration of both his wife's memory and Michael's reputation. The town council offers Michael a small seed store, which he accepts so that Elizabeth-Jane can restore some of her position in the town.
Michael begins to see Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane spending time together. He worries that their secret meetings will lead to a marriage, and he cannot stand the thought of Elizabeth-Jane with his rival. His main worry is that Farfrae will turn Elizabeth-Jane against him and that he will once again experience loneliness and despair. In desperation he contemplates telling Farfrae that Elizabeth-Jane is actually Newson's illegitimate daughter, but decides that this he cannot hurt Elizabeth-Jane in that manner.
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