I
Protagonist; reflects on her deception, her love of Radstowe, and her impending loss of employment.
II
Hannah encounters her cousin Lilla at a restaurant, discusses her impending dismissal from Mrs. Widdows, and displays her characteristic wit and irreverence.
III
Reflects on her past, her education, and her current situation; visits Lilla and plans to deceive her about her stay with Mrs. Gibson.
IV
Visits her cousin Lilla, learns of the housekeeper position, and walks through Upper Radstowe, enjoying the autumn scenery.
V
Reflects on her identity, past romantic interlude, and desires for money and freedom; feels sympathy for Mrs. Ridding and dread about working for Mr. Corder.
VI
Observes the chapel and Corder house with growing unease; explores Beresford Road; confronts Mr. Blenkinsop with audacity on her last evening at Mrs. Gibson's.
VII
Arrives at the Corder house feeling like a mourner at her own funeral, but quickly recovers her spirit. She unpacks her treasured bottled ship, observes the view from her attic window, and engages with the family at supper, revealing her knowledge of Radstowe.
VIII
Hannah reflects on her role in the Corder household, her cautious game of maintaining harmony, and her secret pact with the late Mrs. Corder. She enjoys Wilfrid's appreciation but struggles with the family's tensions.
IX
Reflects on her past work and desire for a simpler life; feels antagonistic toward Robert Corder; comforts Ruth after a nightmare; observes family tensions.
The Underground Struggles
Hannah is wily and cautious, managing the household and her relationships with subtlety. She reflects on the hidden dramas of the Corder home and composes imaginary sermons for Robert Corder. Her playful comment about Mr. Blenkinsop causes tension.
XI
Shows quiet determination and psychological insight, arguing for Ruth's night-light and using her own childhood fears to connect with Ruth.
XII
Hannah comforts Ruth, reflects on her past and her cottage, and philosophizes about loneliness and imperfection.
XIII
Miss Mole is seen by Ruth in an old ulster, which causes Ruth embarrassment. Later, Miss Mole shows humor and insight, easing Ruth's guilt and offering a shared moment of connection over mushrooms.
XIV
Idles by the fire, reflecting on her relationship with Ruth and the cost of winning her affection. She tells a story blending truth and fiction, and later dreams of travel before being interrupted by Mr. Blenkinsop.
Chapter XV
Comforts Ruth, deals with Doris's defiance, and has a light-hearted exchange with Mr. Samson and Wilfrid.
XVI
Hannah observes Robert Corder's nighttime visit to Ethel's room, confronts him over tea, and later speaks with Wilfrid. She struggles with her 'demon of mischief' and reaffirms her commitment to the family.
XVII
Hannah flees the house to avoid Mr. Pilgrim, reflects on her past actions, and finds temporary comfort with Mrs. Gibson.
XIX
Hannah feels a subdued jealousy of Uncle Jim but resolves to be happy. She visits Mr. Samson, enjoys his company, and uses her imagination to create stories about Mr. Blenkinsop. She also reflects on her own appearance and the role of noses in destiny.
Chapter XX
Hannah advises Ethel, confronts Robert Corder, and reflects on her past and the danger Mr. Pilgrim represents.
Chapter XXI
Receives a letter from Mr. Blenkinsop, reflects on her role in the household, and listens to Wilfrid's confidences.
XXII
Efficiently manages the household, concealing her control while navigating family dynamics, and is the object of Robert Corder's distrust and fascination.
XXIII
Reflects on her own character and resolves to be an artist in her sphere; enjoys witty banter with Robert Corder; feels gay and conceited after tea with Mr. Blenkinsop; accepts a roll of silk from Uncle Jim.
XXIV
Reflects on her loneliness and role as a dependent; strategizes to protect the Corder family; visits Lilla and Mr. Samson.
XXV
Hannah lies awake on Christmas Eve, reflecting on her past and feeling remorse for her cruelty to Robert Corder. She longs for the country life and thinks about her cottage.
XXVI
Receives a brooch from Wilfrid, reveals her farm property to the Corder household, and reflects on her secrets.
XXVII
Left alone on Boxing Day, she reads a book from Mr. Blenkinsop and plans a new strategy with Robert Corder. She dresses in a moire silk dress with Wilfrid's brooch and Mr. Samson's lace, surprising the household.
XXVIII
Attends the party, converses with Mr. Blenkinsop, observes the social scene, and reflects on her own circumstances.
XXIX
Feels responsible for the Corder children, reflects on Ethel's vulnerability, and requests a day off to attend to farm business.
The Escape of Howard Corder
Creates an imaginary cousin Hilda for comfort; observes the family crisis with sympathy and impatience; resolves to help the other children gain freedom.
XXXI
Observes Robert Corder's self-deception, reflects on her own past and cousin Hilda, considers marrying Corder to supplant Lilla.
XXXII
Reflects on Robert Corder's character, plans a country expedition, receives a letter from Mr. Blenkinsop, and meets Lilla for tea.
XXXIII
Feels disheartened and lonely after lying about Mr. Pilgrim; impulsively kisses Wilfrid, then defends her actions; reflects on integrity and the price of concealment.
XXXIV
Returns from a day out with Mr. Blenkinsop, weary and troubled; confronts Robert Corder and tries to comfort Ruth.
XXXV
Hannah endures a traumatic day trip that shatters her romantic illusions about her past love and the cottage; she struggles with shame and exhaustion but resolves to continue fighting.
XXXVI
Hannah grapples with the aftermath of learning about her lover's betrayal, finding strength in self-analysis and preparing to confront Mr. Pilgrim.
XXXVII
Reflects on her past love and cottage; engages in frenetic housework to suppress emotions; plans a walk with Ruth.
XXXVIII
Struggles with guilt and defiance after Mr. Pilgrim reveals her past; confronts Robert Corder but is met with condescension.
XXXIX
Sacrifices her reputation to protect Ethel's happiness; decides to leave the Corder household; writes to Uncle Jim; wanders the streets in despair.
XL
Hannah is emotionally vulnerable, oscillating between anger and joy. She confesses her past shame about the man she loved, but ultimately accepts Mr. Blenkinsop's love and plans for their future.
