Chapter 18

Summary

The governess writes the letter to her employer, but keeps it in her pocket, to post it later. In the mean time, she gets busy teaching the children who give her no cause for complaint. They do their lessons well and impress her with their intelligence. Miles outshines in every activity. One day, after the lessons, he starts playing the piano. His notes are so melodious that the governess is absolutely spellbound. Listening to the music, she forgets time and space. Suddenly, she becomes aware of her surroundings and discovers that Flora is missing from the scene. When she asks Miles about it, he is unable to help her. The governess believes that the children have tricked her. She searches for Flora all over the house but does not find her. She comes to the conclusion that the little girl has gone to meet Jessel, while Miles might have an encounter with Quint. With this thought in mind, she asks Mrs. Grose to accompany her in her search for Flora. However, before leaving, she keeps the letter on the table so that Luke can post it later.

At last, the governess writes the letter to her employer, but does not post it. She keeps it in her pocket and decides to give it to the servant to post it. Later, she keeps it on the table for the servant. It is anybodyÂ’s guess whether the letter gets posted or not. Since the fate of Miles is linked to the letter, James evokes the curiosity of the readers regarding its safety. Will the letter get posted? Will the master of the house come to save the situation at Bly? The suspense continues.

Henry James juxtaposes the attitude of the governess with that of the children, from time to time, to charge the atmosphere of the novel. The governess makes every effort to maintain a hold over the children, but meets with little success. She keeps a strict watch over them and accompanies them on almost every errand. However, the children manage to escape out of her shadow whenever they find it necessary. Thus, Miles goes out of the house at midnight and Flora disappears from the house when her teacher is busy listening to Miles playing the piano. They therefore device means to enjoy their freedom.

The children also seem to be wiser than the governess. While the lady gets carried away by her emotions, and gets unnerved easily, the children keep a hold over their feelings. This is seen when they do not accuse the governess when she disappears after talking to Miles and fails to accompany them to the church. They understand her feelings and her need to be alone. They also advice Mrs. Grose not to discuss this with the governess. They therefore possess a balanced mind and a cool temperament.

The governess is as opinionated as ever. As soon as she finds Flora missing from the house, she informs Mrs. Grose that the little girl has gone to meet Jessel. She also comes to the conclusion that Miles is driving everybody away from the house, so that he can communicate with Quint. The governess is so obsessed with the ghosts that she forgets that her wards are children and, like other children, might like to indulge in childish activities.

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