Summary

Chapter 3 "Mrs. Greensleeves" - Chapter 3 introduces the reader to Vivian Greensleeves, a pretty, vain, money-hungry social climber determined to rise above poverty. A widow, Vivian is curious and hopeful after reading her friend Iris' letter in which Iris tells her all about a new vicar who has come to Silverstream, Ernest Hathaway. Iris' brother Bob knew Hathaway at Oxford, and supposedly the vicar is extremely wealthy, although a little aloof and quite a goody-goody. Iris puts down Silverstream and cannot imagine why Mr. Hathaway would move there, but she sees potential in the situation and hopes Vivian will meet him so she can hear all about it. Vivian thinks she is right, that she is not getting anywhere in Silverstream because there are few eligible bachelors around. She goes to church and tells her servant Milly to prepare...