The protagonist reflects on the fabricated story of her time with Aunt Ripleigh, who supposedly left her a fortune of gold and uncut jewels. Her father, revitalized by a mysterious healer’s tonic, meticulously inventories the treasure, his demeanor transformed from the despair of their past hardships. The family’s newfound wealth has brought a sense of vibrancy, though her sister Nesta remains distant and withdrawn, a stark contrast to Elain’s cheerful presence in the garden they share.

Elain, radiant and content, tends to her garden with devotion, dreaming of visiting the tulip fields of the continent with her father. She invites the protagonist to join her, expressing a longing for adventure beyond their previous struggles. The protagonist, though hesitant, finds herself drawn to the idea of exploring the world, a stark departure from her earlier life of deprivation. Elain’s joy is infectious, and her bond with their father highlights the family’s fragile reconciliation.

The chapter delves into the peculiar social dynamics the family faces upon their return to wealth. Elain recounts how their past poverty was ignored by society, as if it had never happened, leaving her oddly nostalgic for the closeness of those harder times. Nesta’s behavior grows increasingly isolated, refusing social engagements and unsettling visitors with her silent scrutiny. The protagonist learns that Nesta once attempted to visit her, hinting at unresolved tensions and the lingering effects of their separation.

The protagonist grapples with the subtle changes in herself—a faint glow from her time in Prythian—that Elain notices but cannot explain. She deflects Elain’s probing questions about her past, choosing instead to focus on the simple pleasures of gardening. As days pass, the protagonist finds solace in Elain’s company, though the shadow of her unresolved emotions and Nesta’s distance lingers, underscoring the complexity of their family’s newfound stability.

The chapter opens with the protagonist reflecting on her recent experiences, emphasizing the ease with which she invents stories about her time with Aunt Ripleigh. Her actual days involved caring for her aunt and reading to her, culminating in her aunt’s peaceful death and the inheritance of a significant fortune. This wealth includes not only clothing but also enormous raw gemstones, which her father is meticulously appraising. Her father’s improved health and renewed vitality symbolize a positive turnaround, aided by a mysterious healer’s tonic. The scene underscores the contrast between her current stability and past hardships, setting a tone of cautious optimism.

The narrative shifts to a serene moment in the garden, where the protagonist observes her family’s interactions. Her father is depicted as lively and energetic, engaged in weighing a large ruby, while her sister Elain is immersed in her gardening, eager to visit the continent next spring. Elain’s enthusiasm highlights her innocence and longing for adventure, contrasting with her sister’s more reflective mood. The chapter explores themes of family bonds, renewal, and the desire for new experiences, as Elain discusses her hopes and the recent strange social season, which seemed to gloss over the trauma of their past.

A noticeable tension emerges as Elain mentions her sister Nesta’s withdrawal and refusal to participate in social events. Elain reveals that Nesta had visited her, despite the protagonist’s lack of awareness, hinting at unspoken past conflicts and Nesta’s emotional distance. The protagonist’s realization that Nesta might have come to see her adds a layer of intrigue and unresolved tension. Meanwhile, Elain comments on the protagonist’s changed appearance and aura, suggesting that her time in Prythian has left a subtle but significant impact, both physically and spiritually.

In the final part, the protagonist grapples with a lingering internal darkness, feeling unaffected by the outward beauty and peace surrounding her. She spends her days with Elain in the garden, finding joy in her sister’s enthusiasm and the simple pleasures of nature. Despite her outward calm, she recognizes a shadow within herself that remains unchanged, hinting at deeper emotional or magical scars from her previous experiences. The chapter concludes with a sense of quiet reflection, emphasizing the contrast between external serenity and internal struggle, as she contemplates the lasting effects of her journey and the hope for eventual healing.