Why such a secret?

We all know that Cynthia wants to keep her engagement to Roger a secret? Do you think she ever gives a good reason for it? What does she tell Roger? Why does she react as she does when Mr. Gibson says he will tell the squire? Are you convinced by her answer? Why will it cause her "a great deal of distress if it gets known"(407)?

So many questions . . . but it is time to speculate again!

I have the same apology for the late post on this blog as the last. Do you know there are places in this country with no cell service??????

Let's predict . . .

Okay, it may have been the time change, or the class after spring break syndrome, but I sensed a little weariness with our old friends at Hollingford. So, in the spirit of the serial, let's do a little predicting.

1. We know there is something ominous and almost sinister about Mr. Preston. What do you think is his deal? What power might he have over Cynthia and why would his moving to the neighborhood make her want to go out to work as a governess? That throwing the flowers into the fire was perhaps the most passionate and spontaneous thing we've seen in the novel (well, Osborne's pursuit of Aimee is pretty sponaneous, but we hear about that via the narrator). Does the text give us any more clues to his personality that we didn't discuss in class?

2. Back to Osborne. What do you think will happen with the little French wife especially after two more references to French-bashing? What might (or should!) make a milque-toast like Osborne stand up for his family??