Book Eighth: Chapters XXVI - XXVIII Summary

Densher is not enjoying his stay in Venice. He does not like his accommodations and he is feeling manipulated by both Kate and Maud. He is being pushed into spending time with Milly and looks upon her a a sister, not a love interest. Further, he is irritated with himself for coming to Venice at all, being "summoned" by Maud, and succumbing to that summons. To Densher, Milly is a lovely, peaceful individual who has spread her wings to encompass all of the people in her life and to provide for their happiness.

Chapter twenty-seven shows Densher and Kate having some time to themselves during a morning outing and taking the opportunity to discuss the relationships among themselves, Maud and Milly. Kate informs Densher that Milly has refused Lord Mark's proposal because she...