While Sir Leicester lies ill at his town house, the high society in which the Dedlocks move is rife with rumors about them. Sir Leicester, though still seriously ill, waits expectantly for Bucket to return; he wants to be sure that the house is in cheerful readiness for Lady Dedlock. George Rouncewell and his mother discuss the absence of Lady Dedlock. The mother feels certain that Lady Dedlock "will never more set foot within these walls." The lady's "empty rooms, bereft of a familiar presence, seem oppressively dark and cold.
Sir Leicester wishes to see George. When George arrives, he lifts the stricken man up and puts him close to one of the windows so that he can have a better view of "the driving snow and sleet." Sir Leicester wants to make it clear to all that he remains "on unaltered terms" with his wife. Restless and wakeful throughout the night, he is watched over and cared for with tender devotion by the stalwart George.
