Summary

Chapter 1: Fevvers is watching the landscape as the train travels through Siberia. Although the performers are warm and cozy inside the train, it is bitter cold outside and the landscape is barren. Fevvers lacks confidence outside her element. The encounter with the Grand Duke has left her shaken and questioning herself.

An old convict with the word carved into his cheek is selling carved bears at one of the stations, and Fevvers, filled with sympathy, buys them all to send to Isotta and Gianni’s children. Lizzie accuses her of buying them for Walser’s benefit. She also accuses Fevvers of buying into her own publicity, a “golden hearted Cockney” who doesn’t play by the rules. Fevvers isn’t sure who she really is, and Lizzie insists that Fevvers has no identity, that she is only what she makes herself to be in...