The House Behind the Cedars

The day after John’s visit, Rena and her mother prepare for Rena’s departure. Molly arranges for Frank Fowler, the young cooper across the street, to bring Rena’s luggage to the steamboat. Frank is smitten with Rena and, despite her protests that she will return, believes that she will leave for good. The next day, at the steamboat, Rena says her goodbyes to Frank and her mother.

Rena takes a private cabin and remains out of view for the journey. Meanwhile, John makes an impression with the other passengers who praise him as a fine southern gentleman. When the steamer arrives at Wilmington, John sends Rena to boarding school in Charleston for a year so that she may learn how to behave in high society.

Back in Patesville, Molly calls on Judge Straight for business, and he mentions John’s success. After she leaves, the judge wonders if John has made a mistake by returning to his old town.

A facsimile of a chivalric tournament is held at the Clarence Social Club. Young men dress in costume armor and attack targets on horseback. The anachronistic pageantry is explained as part of the South’s love of chivalric tales due to its feudal political and economic structure.