Charlotte, Maggie's dearest friend, has married Mr Verver. The two couples have now settled into their houses in London and spend much time together.

The continuing closeness of Mr Verver and his daughter has brought Charlotte and the Prince together and Fanny Assingham is concerned about their ambiguous relationship.

Maggie has begun to feel uneasy about her father's marriage and her own. She decides to try to avert the danger which she senses.