Chapter 9 Summary

Newland isn't sure why but he goes to Ellen Olenska's house the next evening. She lives in an unfashionable part of town, an area populated by writers and artists. When he arrives, he is informed that Ellen is out and should return shortly. Newland is astounded that she had asked him to come over, only to make him wait. After Ellen finally arrives, they talk about the dinner at the van der Lyden's and other subjects. He is pleasantly surprised that she has her own opinions and is not afraid to voice them. She makes astute observations that he has never noticed. Ellen challenges him and makes him laugh.

Just as Ellen tells Newland that she's very lonely among people who make such an effort to keep up appearances, the Duke of St. Austrey interrupts. He is accompanied by Mrs. Struthers, a woman...