Part 3, Chapter 2 Summary

Leonora Ashburnham tries to rein in Edward's feelings for Nancy Rufford without drawing attention to the fact that she is doing so. John the narrator attributes Leonora's success at this subterfuge to Leonora's Catholicism, because Catholics are known to be strange about secrets and privacy.

Edward gradually becomes ill under Leonora's efforts to keep him separated from Nancy. Leonora first thinks that he is grieving for Florence. During the Ashburnham's last night at Nauheim, Leonora suggests that Edward take Nancy out for some fun. Edward agrees very reluctantly. Leonora realizes that Edward is sickened by his own feelings for his foster daughter, and has been willingly cooperating with her efforts to keep them apart. Later that night, Leonora checks on Edward in his room, and discovers him sobbing and praying to a statue of the Virgin Mary. She sleeps soundly for...