The chapter opens with a soliloquy by the Governess, in which she laments the fact that her life is coming to an end. She tells us that she has been estranged from her family for the past few years because of her relationship with Cai. She says that she wishes that she had never adopted Cai. The Governess then tells the audience that if she had been close to Cai at the time, she would still choose Cai's younger sister.