The chapter opens with a flashback to a conversation between the Governess and her mother. The Governess tells her mother that she has changed the family's policy regarding the marriage of the two of them. She asks her mother if she is ready to give up her position as governess for the sake of the marriage between the two. She says that she is not ready to leave the family, but that she would like to share the roles of governess and mother. She tells her that she will ask her mother again and again until she consents to the marriage. She explains that she was part of the executive committee of the company, and that she wants to help the company in any way she can.