The Final Provocations — The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Annabella grows bolder as departure nears, fondling Arthur's health before Helen and claiming credit for his sobriety because she told him she could not bear his degradation. On the last morning she tells Helen at breakfast that Arthur loves her more than Helen ever could; Helen dashes her hand away, and Arthur's low laugh stops a fuller outburst. Hargrave, watching from the door, offers veiled sympathy at the window; Helen answers she owes Arthur no allegiance.

In the library he asks if she feels free and presses a quasi-religious case for happiness with him, speaking of raising two souls from suffering; she calls it insult, says she is free only to avoid offending God and conscience, and dismisses him with controlled contempt. The drive to the Grove traps Helen alone with Annabella, who chatters until Helen asks why she bothers talking to someone she knows Helen despises. After dinner Annabella boasts again at the sofa, claiming she reformed Arthur where Helen failed, until Helen rings for Rachel and leaves with the children.

Hargrave intercepts Helen in the ante-room, begs forgiveness for the morning's words before he leaves tomorrow, and wrings her cold hand until she grants pardon with "sin no more." Grimsby leers as Hargrave follows her in; Hattersley whispers some coarse joke to Walter, who curls his lip and joins his mother. Helen endures the drawing-room tableau until she can rejoice that all will go tomorrow and Annabella's presence will end.