Secrecy and Identity

Vansittart hides his past crime and assumes false names (John Smith) to protect his reputation, while also concealing his relationship with Lisa and her child, leading to a life of prevarication and fear of exposure.

Lisa's story about her English benefactor is shrouded in mystery, and her true history remains unknown to Vansittart, who cares little to learn it.

Vansittart adopts the alias 'John Smith' and plans to deny ever having been in Venice, highlighting his struggle to hide his true identity.

The chapter hints at an 'understanding' between Eve and Sefton, and Vansittart's pursuit of Eve involves a degree of social strategy, suggesting hidden motives and unspoken rules.

Vansittart keeps the secret of Venice from his mother, and the Marchant family's past is shrouded in mystery, influencing perceptions.