Chapter 32 Summary

Newland, his wife, mother, sister and Mr. Jackson are dining at the van der Luyden's home before the opera. Talk inevitably turns to the Beaufort bankruptcy and Ellen. No one at the table can understand how Ellen thought it would be okay to call on her cousin, Mrs. Beaufort. They think that she has odd tastes and no sense of propriety. They reason that her behavior is a result of living in Europe for so long.

In the middle of the play, Newland tells his wife that he has a headache. The couple leaves. At home, he sits May down and tells her that he has something to tell her. He continues by saying Ellen's name. May is impatient, saying that she does not understand why they need to talk as Ellen is leaving. Newland is confused. May explains that it was settled...