Chapter 24

Chapter 24- Newland listens to Ellen talk, he says very little because "he is scared he will miss something important." Ellen said she left New York because she was sick of the way she was treated, she didn't like New York's society. She felt that by moving the Washington, she would meet people, who had more opinions and there was variety. She also mentions that she hasn't seen Beaufort in a very long time. It seems that his love for May is because he is physically attracted to her, but his love for Ellen is because he is emotionally attracted to her. He even asked her why she didn't just go back to Europe and she says it is because of him. She says that he taught her so much, like that even the most shabby of objects should be greatly appreciated. They talk about how Newland's marriage seems like a sham and that he lives two lives; a fake public one and a real one that he experiences with Ellen. In the end, Newland realizes he cannot live without her and she promises that she won't go back to her husband. Newland however is terrified that he will lose her and never see her again, yet they both promise that they will be a part of each other's lives yet not act on their love.