Journal

CHAP 6: GILBERT’S GROWING INTEREST IN MRS GRAHAM
Gilbert comes upon Mrs Graham painting by a brook and talks to her. In his
eyes she is beginning to eclipse Eliza, who has been something of a
sweetheart. Though Helen Graham is somewhat cold towards him he
prefers her depth to Eliza’s shallowness.
CHAP 7: THE EXCURSION TO THE SEA
Gilbert accompanies his brother and sister and Eliza on a visit to Wildfell Hall
and they propose a walk to the coast for a picnic when the weather is warmer.
Somewhat reluctantly Helen Graham agrees to accompany them. The outing
takes place and at one stage Helen goes off from the party to a nearby cliff to
paint, and this gives Gilbert an opportunity to spend some time with her alone.
CHAP 8: THE GIFT OF MARMION
As a surprise Gilbert offers a copy of Marmion to Helen. She has expressed
interest in it and he has bought it specially. But she doesn’t want to accept it
unless he allows her to pay for it. She relents but makes it clear that he is not
to presume anything by it and that their friendship must continue as it is.
CHAP 9: MALICIOUS GOSSIP
Gilbert hears of damaging reports about Mrs Graham’s respectability and
insinuations involving Mr Lawrence her landlord.
CHAP 10: GILBERT BEGINS TO DISLIKE LAWRENCE
Gilbert visits Helen to show his support. On leaving he meets Mr Lawrence
on his way to visit her, ‘as her landlord’, but Gilbert suspects other motives
and heated words are exchanged.
CHAP 11: THE MUCH-TALKED-ABOUT WOMAN
Many of Gilbert’s neighbours, including his sister and Rev Millward, warn
him against continuing his friendship with Mrs Graham because of her
doubtful respectability.
CHAP 12: HELEN’S SPECIAL VISITOR
Gilbert is deeply unhappy because: (1) everyone unjustly accuses Helen of
having doubtful morals; (2) judging by her behaviour with Lawrence, they
might be right.
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