CHAPTER II. -Crome yellow

Denis arrives at Crome, finding the house silent and empty, an atmosphere he finds amusingly suitable for introspection about the lives that fill its spaces. Observing the familiar surroundings and art, he ponders on the personalities that resonate within various rooms, feeling a connection to the legacy left by generations past. Coming across his own book of poems, he reflects on his creative journey and wonders if Anne recognizes the intimations of his affection for her in his work.

Venturing to find someone, he encounters Priscilla Wimbush in her boudoir, engrossed in the creation of horoscopes. Denis is greeted with casual indifference, highlighting the casual intimacy and eccentric routine that defines life at Crome. Priscilla, once a vivacious socialite, now finds solace and excitement in astrology and the occult, a shift from her previously tumultuous lifestyle that led to financial ruin and necessitated a restructuring of their lives. Despite these changes, she expresses no regret, finding her current pursuits fulfilling.

Priscilla reminisces about her gambling past, now guided by the stars instead of chance, infusing her life with a sense of purpose and amusement. Her transition from social pursuits to esoteric studies reveals a quest for meaning and excitement beyond conventional leisure, showcasing her transformation and the impact of personal crises on reshaping one’s interests and outlook.

The arrival of Denis at Crome against the background of Priscilla’s colorful history and unique present interests sets the stage for a narrative intertwined with personal growth, eccentricity, and the quest for meaning beyond societal norms. Priscilla’s adoption of astrology as a guiding force in her life not only highlights her individuality but also reflects on the human need to find significance in the universe’s mysteries, bridging the mundane with the metaphysical.