Horatio’s Return
The stranger, whom Miss Williams named Horatio, eventually returned, told her she had nothing to fear, and handed her a billet (letter) containing an unknown message.
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The chapter tracks the unnamed female narrator as she receives a reassuring letter from Lothario, experiences a brief period of intense joy, discovers her father’s desperate search for her via a newspaper advertisement, learns of his death and his decision to disinherit her, is abandoned by her lover Horatio after uncovering that their initial conflict was a calculated ruse to win her over, and ultimately agrees to a scheme with an older woman to exploit wealthy men for financial gain, beginning with targeting a judge.
Lothario’s Letter
Lothario sends a handwritten letter to the narrator, informing her that the wounds he sustained in his conflict with Horatio are not life-threatening, sharing this news out of consideration for her peace of mind.
Transport of Joy
Familiar with Lothario’s handwriting and convinced the letter is not a forgery, the narrator reads it repeatedly with intense joy, and showers Horatio with such affection that he appears to be the happiest man alive. This joy temporarily lifts her out of despair, as the threat of a greater loss (Lothario’s potential death) overshadows her earlier grief.
The Father’s Advertisement
While reading through newspapers she had not previously examined, the narrator notices an advertisement placed by her father, who is searching for her. The notice offers a reward for information leading to her location, and promises that if she returns to him, he will welcome her with full tenderness regardless of her past actions, and that her return may extend the life of a father already bowed down by grief over her disappearance.
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