Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

John Dowell is relieved to think that Leonora Ashburnham only took offense at the slur against Catholics. He is drawn to Leonora because she is the one person he has met who understands how difficult it is to take care of a person with a weak heart. He learns that Captain Ashburnham resigned his military commission in India to follow the young matron, Maisie Maidan (who did have a heart condition), to Nauheim.

Leonora and Edward's parents arranged their marriage. They have no children. Leonora has made it her personal duty to turn Edward into a faithful husband. Edward had lost an enormous amount of money gambling and purchasing the favors of a woman in Monte Carlo. Leonora assumed control of the estate's finances and rebuilt the estate, but they have been living in India to economize. Edward has barely escaped...