The governess is pleased with the subtle shift in Miles' demeanour, a newfound vulnerability that seems to indicate he is becoming more open to her. This exchange between the two is tense but friendly, and Miles appears more open and genuine than ever. They discuss Bly and Miles' freedom there as well as their relationship with one another. The governess asks Miles if he wouldn't mind doing something for her.
Miles is hesitant about telling the governess what is on his mind, but he promises to eventually do so. However, he is inexplicably insistent on postponing this conversation until after he has spoken with Luke. The governess is ashamed to push him too much, but she does wonder why Miles is so urgent about seeing Luke first.
As Miles prepares to leave to find Luke, the governess makes one final small request: she queries if Miles had taken a letter of hers the previous day. As the chapter leaves off here, the listener is left in suspense about the secrets Miles is holding back. Will Miles eventually reveal what has been bothering him, and will that bring clarity to the governess? The tension in this chapter sets the stage for the stunning final chapter.
