Chapters 31-32 Summary

Chapter 31, "The Recognition Procession," depicts Tom awakening and again becoming the chief figure in a floating pageant down the Thames to the Tower, from which fireworks and smoke emit when he arrives. Splendidly arrayed, he mounts a white steed and is accompanied by the Kings Guard and other officers on a ride past cheering throngs throughout London. Once in a while, he throws coins to the crowd, as is the custom. The author's "chronicler" describes the spectacle. Tom is thrilled, and then he sees his mother in the crowd. Involuntarily, his hands go to his eyes in the old gesture she recognizes. She embraces his leg, but he denies knowing her as the guards pull her away. The procession moves on, but now Tom is filled with remorse, and can no longer take pleasure in pretending to be royalty. He becomes...