Villette

Lucy continues her stay at La Terrasse. She and Dr. John talk about his relationship with Ginevra, and Lucy explains that she and Ginevra are not close friends. Lucy withholds her true feelings for as long as she can but ultimately cannot stop herself from proclaiming that where Ginevra is concerned, “there is no delusion like [his] own” (245). The argument causes tension between the two and Graham does not speak to her for several days, to Lucy’s grief. They make amends over tea, and Lucy asks for his forgiveness. Lucy expresses her great respect for him, which her concern reflects. Lucy still disapproves of the gifts Graham gives Ginevra, but after their discussion, she thinks Dr. John may not be as ignorant of Ginevra’s true character as she previously assumed.

Lucy stays at La Terrasse for two more weeks at the request of Mrs. Bretton. Madame Beck visits her and is pleased with her arrangement. Lucy sometimes accompanies Dr. John on his patient visits. Seeing him with his patients increases her respect for him. She also enjoys visiting art museums. Lucy studies the paintings, which inspire philosophical thoughts on life and art.

One day as Lucy is studying a nude painting of Cleopatra, M.