In this chapter, Dr. Bledsoe returns to the "living world" and tells the Governess that he is leaving her alone on the road. He tells her that his bear clothing has been damaged by the mice, but he still has the "breath of nature" to continue on his journey. He asks her to keep the book he gave her so that he will not have to threaten her. The Governess asks him how long he has been traveling, and he says that he must have been traveling for over 12 miles. She asks him why he didn't see the Inn of the Seven Gables. He says that the innkeeper must know where he is, because he must know that the Inn is "yin yang inn." She asks if he means to make a deal with the innkeeper. He replies that he wants to send her back to "the living world." He gives her the body of a woman,