Chapter 48 Summary

The rumors about Mr. Arabin and the signora have reached Miss Thorne, who is determined to put an end to them. Unlike Mrs. Grantly, she does not simply sit around spreading rumors. Instead she makes a plan to find Mr. Arabin a suitable bride to take his attention away from the signora. Quite innocently, not knowing anything about their relationship, she decides that Eleanor would be a good candidate to be Mr. Arabin's wife.

She invites both Eleanor and Mr. Arabin to come and stay at her home. She thinks that a few months to a year will be sufficient time for the two of them to fall in love and get married. Eleanor is surprised by the invitation but agrees to visit for a week or two. Eleanor arrives at the house. Mr. Arabin arrives the next day. Within hours, Eleanor announces...