Mrs. Fane

Michael Fane

Michael's mother is a distant, aristocratic figure who provides material support but little emotional warmth, creating a formal bond.

Michael Fane

Michael's mother is a distant, aristocratic figure who provides material support but little emotional warmth, creating a formal bond.

Michael Fane

Michael's mother is a distant, aristocratic figure who provides material support but little emotional warmth, creating a formal bond.

I: The New World

Tells Michael a fairy tale about a prince, shows him a photograph of a man, and spends time with him at the seaside.

II: Bittersweet

Michael's mother, who is absent but sends a letter from Como announcing kindergarten and canaries.

The First Fairy Princess

Michael's mother, briefly present for Miss Carthew's introduction; provides warmth but is often absent.

VIII: Siamese Stamps

Returns home after nearly two years; feels shy of Michael and disapproves of his grubby, inky appearance.

Pastoral

Returns home cross and worried, arranges for Michael to board, shuts up the house in Carlington Road.

IV: Boyhood's Glory

Michael's mother, who spoils him and enjoys his company and that of Alan; hosts them at Carlington Road.

Incense

Michael's mother; he is reticent about his church plans for fear she might accompany him.

Mirrors

Michael's mother; exchanges stilted conversation with Michael about his holidays and her own travels; later hears about his meeting with Mr. Wilmot.

IX: The Yellow Age

Reluctantly allows Michael to wear double collar, expresses concern about his rapid growth.

XI: Action and Reaction

Argues with Michael about his views on the war and Lord Saxby, accuses him of being vulgar and heartless.

XIII: Sentiment

Accompanies Michael to Bournemouth, judges Kathleen as 'provincial,' and facilitates Michael's introduction to the McDonnell sisters.

XV: Grey Eyes

Travels with Michael to Basingstead, is described as tall and youthful with lustrous grey eyes, and later has supper at Cobble Place.

Lily

Michael's mother; notices his agitation but is not told about Lily.

Parents

Reveals her long-hidden relationship with Lord Saxby and reads his final letter to the children.

Music

Reveals her past grief over Lord Saxby's death, then withdraws into her usual reserve; she arranges the family's travel and supports Stella's concert plans.

IV: Cheyne Walk

Mrs. Fane is late for appointments, prefers to avoid house-hunting, and is noted for her charitable tendencies.

VI: Gray and Blue

Has changed profoundly after moving to Cheyne Walk, becoming more conventional and sociable.

IX: The Lesson of Spain

Michael's mother has shifted from Mental Science to a campaign against premature burial, and discusses cars with Dick Prescott.

XI: Sympathy

Grieves for Dick Prescott, shares a new intimacy with Michael, and gradually returns to her charitable activities.

XIII: Plashers Mead

Shares Michael's worry about Stella; returns home to find Stella gentle with her; mentions Mrs. Carruthers and Mabel.

XV: The Last Term

Invited to Commemoration with Stella.

XVI: The Last Week

Attends Commemoration with Michael and Stella, enjoys the festivities, and walks with Michael in the Christ Church quadrangles.

XVII: The Last Day

Accepts Michael's plan to stay away from London with her usual calm; is taken aside by Michael for a private word.

I: Ostia Ditis

Mrs. Fane is Michael's mother, who returns home with Stella and is concerned about Michael's well-being.

III: The Café d’Orange

Greets Michael warmly at Cheyne Walk, but does not press him about his whereabouts.

VII: The Gate of Ivory

Michael's mother, who returns from the South of France and confronts Michael about not telling her of his marriage plans.