The chapter opens with a soliloquy by the Governess, in which she laments the state of affairs in the world. She laments that the world is in such a state of disarray that it is difficult for her to see the good in it. The Governess asks her husband if he is worried about his health, and he replies that he is. She then asks him if he would like to go to a deserted island and live a normal life. He says that he would do so if he had the power to do so. He then asks her what she would do if there was a "terrible person" who did not treat anyone well. She replies that she would try to stop the person, or do something to prevent it from getting worse. He asks her if she would take him to the desert island, and she replies that if she had that power, she would destroy the entire world. Then she asks him what would he do if he were to take her to the deserted island. He replies, "I guess if I were me, I'd stop that person and do something else to prevent the situation getting so bad. She says that she cannot but seriously doubt that he means what he says. He tells her that he will not run away from her, and then he asks her why she has such a long face