IV
Nell is a thin, pale child who bores Vernon and Joe with her doll tea-parties.
V
Nell is brought to tea by her mother, reluctantly joins the trespassing, gets frightened by the keeper's threat, and is helped by Vernon.
VI
Visits for tea; her frock is torn during the adventure, causing her distress.
Book II: Nell
The central character of this book, Nell is a thoughtful and imaginative girl at the convent school, deeply attached to her music teacher and grappling with her feelings about leaving.
III
First appears in the chapter as a girl in a pink evening-frock with spun-gold hair, seen by Vernon on the riverbank; he immediately decides he must marry her.
IV
Reappears transformed into a lovely young woman; speaks softly and shyly to Vernon.
V
Dances with Vernon, recalls their childhood, and gives him her address.
I
Nell is apathetic and lovely, sitting on the arm of a chair in a pink kimono. She suggests Vernon Deyre as a useful addition to their party, but feels a childlike yearning for things to be 'nice' rather than 'nasty.'
II
Nell walks with Vernon and listens to his confession, responding with a tentative 'I don't know.' She feels conflicted between her feelings for Vernon and her mother's expectations.
III
Nell is scolded by her mother and lies awake reliving her moment with Vernon.
I
Nell is torn between her deep love for Vernon and her fear of losing him. She recalls the joy of their early romance and the pain of their current misunderstanding.
II
Torn between love for Vernon and dread of poverty; resists telling her mother, feels older and more worldly than Vernon.
III
Though not present in the scene, she is the subject of the discussion, and Mrs. Vereker insists she must have every chance to change her mind.
V
Referenced as the object of Vernon's love; her mother has been decent about the engagement, and Vernon writes to her promising eternal love.
I
Relieved by her mother's attitude but influenced by her contempt; hopes dashed by Vernon's letter.
II
Visits Amelie King Horton in Ealing and later receives a marriage proposal from George Chetwynd.
I
Away in Dinard with her mother; Vernon writes to her and longs for her sympathy.
III
Referenced as the girl Vernon wants to marry.
I
Nell is back in London and notices Vernon's changed demeanor. She listens to his opera story but feels afraid of his musical passion and jealous of Jane Harding.
II
Agrees with Vernon's decision but is grieved and disturbed, her faith in the future shaken.
III
Feels lonely and resentful of Vernon's devotion to music; seeks advice from Jane Harding and lashes out in jealousy.
IV
Mentioned by Jane as a slave of convention who sees things as she has been shown.
I
Encourages Vernon, admits George Chetwynd has proposed twice, cries in distress, prays to marry Vernon.
II
Hesitates to marry Vernon, writes a letter asking to wait six months, and struggles with the prospect of poverty.
III
Dines with Vernon; reacts with shock and judgment to Joe's elopement, leading to a quarrel with Vernon.
IV
Sends Vernon a letter breaking their engagement to marry George Chetwynd.
I
Mentioned as being engaged to be married in the autumn, a source of Vernon's distress.
II
Nell is discussed by Sebastian as someone who develops 'protective colouring' to avoid suffering, hinting at her future marriage to George Chetwynd.
III
Visits Jane's flat seeking Vernon, expresses remorse for her past cowardice, and reconciles with Vernon, leading to their marriage.
Book IV: War
Waits for Vernon's return and struggles with the uncertainty of war.
I
Mentioned as having married Vernon; Joe reflects on Nell's change due to the war.
II
Hosts lunch with Vernon; reflects on her marriage and happiness; learns of Vernon's departure.
III
Nell insists on staying in Wiltsbury to work in a hospital or canteen, experiences a deep haunted sleep after Vernon's departure, and wakes with a piercing pain and resolve to find work.
I
Nell works as a V.A.D. ward maid and later a nurse, writing to Vernon and adapting to hospital life.
II
Reunites with Vernon; feels chilled by his attitude but suppresses her doubts; secretly fears his music as a rival; wears the French gown he bought her.
III
Back at the hospital, waiting desperately for Vernon's letters and feeling the strain of enforced idleness.
IV
Receives Vernon's letter, is daydreaming at the hospital, and later discovers the telegram announcing Vernon's death.
I
Vernon's fiancée, grieving but composed, struggling with the absurdity of the memorial service and the pressure from family.
II
Working as a nurse under the name Nurse Deyre; surprised by George Chetwynd's visit.
III
Nell is ill, recuperating in London, and burdened by the financial drain of Abbots Puissants; she reluctantly agrees to sell the estate.
IV
Feels happier after selling Abbots Puissants; receives a letter from Joe and later a visit from George Chetwynd, whom she accepts as the buyer.
V
Stays at Abbots Puissants, feels regret about not living there with Vernon, accepts George's proposal.
VI
Receives support from Joe, prays to Vernon on the eve of her wedding.
I
Vernon's wife, who believes him dead and is engaged to marry George Chetwynd, as revealed in a newspaper.
II
Now Nell Chetwynd, she is poised and assured, enjoying a peaceful life at Abbots Puissants with her second husband, George.
III
Nell is upset after Jane's taunts, reflects on her marriage and Vernon's memory, and is startled by the chauffeur.
III
Nell is the central concern of the discussion; Jane and Sebastian debate whether she recognized Vernon when she saw him.
II
Nell is overwhelmed by the discovery that Vernon is alive, wrestling with guilt, confusion, and a sense of unfairness as she contemplates her marriage to George and her love for Vernon.
IV
Waits for Vernon in the white-panelled room, struggles with her feelings for George Chetwynd and her attachment to wealth, and silently accepts Vernon's misinterpretation.
I
Confronted by Jane Harding about her lie to Vernon; torn between her love for Vernon and her marriage to George.
III
Was on board the Resplendent with George Chetwynd; saved by Vernon.
IV
Mentioned as someone Vernon has lost.
V
Visits Vernon, confesses her love and a past lie about a child, but is rejected.
