Chapters 16-21 Summary

Chapter sixteen begins six years prior to the beginning of Mr. Markham's story. Helen, as Mrs. Graham was known at this point, has returned early from the season in London. Helen's aunt warns her that she should not marry a man only interested in her for her looks or wealth. Helen insists that she does not plan to marry anyone but the man who loves her. Helen has already set her sights on Mr. Arthur Huntingdon, a young friend of her uncle's. Helen's aunt does not approve. Helen's aunt believes this man has bad habits that will make him a bad husband. Helen's aunt wants Helen to marry Mr. Boarham, a man who has proposed, but whom Helen finds boring. Helen turns down his proposal. In chapter seventeen, Helen relates a dinner party she and her aunt and uncle attended at the home of another...