Section 19 Summary

"The White Land"

The title of this section is drawn from its quote - from The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser, in which England is referred to as a land of dangerous white rocks. As this section's action reveals, it's also a reference to England being the home of the White Queen, in the game being played for control over the Montglane Service.

November 1793. The section begins with the Bishop receiving news that he is perceived as a potential enemy of the British people, and has been given three days to leave the country. He comments to his servant that England is "The White Land" referred to in a quote from a French philosopher, a land "that deceives by trust." He resolves to try to extend his stay, but his plans are interrupted by the sensual appearance of Catherine Grand. The narrative then...