CHAPTER 26

Summary

Arobin sends Edna a letter apologizing for his bold behavior. She responds in a light-hearted manner and Arobin concludes that this is an indication that Edna wishes him to continue his seduction of her.

Edna visits Mlle. Reisz to tell her that she intends to move out of her house as she is bored with being its glorified housekeeper. She has sufficient money from the Racetrack to rent a small house, and she will also receive income from her much improved sketches.  Edna admits that the main reason for the move is to give her complete freedom. Mlle. Reisz lets Edna read Robert’s latest letter which reveals that he will return shortly to New Orleans.  Mlle. Reisz is protective of Robert and decides to put Edna’s love for him to the test.  At the end, Edna confesses her love for Robert and Mlle. Reisz is satisfied.

Edna writes to L'once, telling him of her intention to move into a smaller house.

Interpretation

We note that Edna’s artistic achievements are such that she is able to sell her sketches.  This success marks one feature of her freedom, but she also needs to satisfy her sexual desires and this will be done through her relationship with Arobin.

She realizes that her agenda to consort with Arobin has dangerous consequences, unlike Ad'le’s playful flirtation with the men she entertains at her musical evenings.  Edna is consorting with Arobin at a much more risky environment at the Race Course.  The whole experience is exhilarating for her, and the fact that she is quite adept at gambling means she has another string to her bow.

Although Mlle. Reisz is aware of the feelings that Robert has for Edna, she is not sure whether these are reciprocated by Edna, and so she puts her prot'g' to the test.  Edna’s feelings for Robert are confirmed when she confesses to Mlle. Reisz her love for him.