Chapter 17 Summary

Back in New York, Newland calls on old Mrs. Mingott, who asks him why he did not marry her Ellen. Newland presses on with his reason for the visit. He asks Mrs. Mingott to use her influence to try to convince the Wellands to allow him to marry May sooner.

On his way out, he asks Ellen, who has stopped by, if he can see her. They agree that he will call on her the following evening.

When Newland arrives at Ellen's the following evening, he is surprised that she has other guests, including his friend, Ned Winsett, a Dr. Carver, and the Marchioness Medora Manson, Ellen's aunt. Ellen is not in the drawing room. The Marchioness Manson thanks Newland for counseling Ellen to drop the matter of the divorce. She hopes that he will be of service once again by helping to...