Chapter 20 Summary

Meg has often wondered at the disturbance that takes place in the world's waters when love, which seems such a tiny pebble, slips in. Love concerns only the two people involved, yet its impact deluges a hundred shores. Meg is soon to find out the practical aspects of this with Mr. Wilcox's visit to Aunt Juley's. He arrives in town bearing the engagement ring and the appropriate manners to please the family.

Once he and Meg are taking an after dinner stroll, he brings up the issue of property and how it is to be divided. Meg makes it clear that she wants him to be generous with his children; she herself had all she will ever need. Meg asks Mr. Wilcox if he would make a point of befriending Helen so there would be no awkwardness there and he promises that he...