Part 3, Chapter 20 Summary

Before her departure to Kenya, Aurora and Aldred dine together again. He shares his Japanese experience and shows Aurora a picture of Helen. Aurora is glad for him. Aldred writes to Helen of his dinner and an invitation he has made to Bertram Perowne, the Driscoll siblings' confidant and companion on their trip to Japan. Aldred also confides to Helen that a gentleman named Calder, whom Benedict and Helen had met in Japan, had approached him with a proposition. Calder, it seems, is a spy and had offered the same status to Aldred in the belief that his language skills and knowledge of Asia would stand him in good stead. Aldred declares to Helen that he did not accept Calder's offer.

Aldred has found his status much improved by his military commendations. With the inheritance left him by his father and...