Summary

Fevvers claims never to have told her story to anyone before. She does not know who her parents are, but only that she was left on the steps of a brothel in a basket of broken shells and straw. Lizzie found her and took her in to be reared by the women of the brothel.

Fevvers asks Walser if his newspaper will print those facts, with the mention of prostitutes, and Walser insists that not only are American minds more expansive, but he also states many prostitutes are fine, marriageable women.

Lizzie reacts in disgust, as she believes marriage to be no different from prostitution. She wonders why a woman would want to whore herself out to one man rather than many. Fevvers smoothes her mood over and sends out for some food. Fevvers is a ravenous eater, with less than delicate manners. Walser waits...