As if inspired by the sensual island, after Edna has taken off most of her clothing for her nap, she runs her fingers through her hair and rubs her bare arms thoughtfully as if "for the first time" she realizes "the fine, firm quality and texture of her flesh." This new appreciation for her body follows the events of the previous night: the music that stirred wild passions in her heart, the liberation of swimming, the palpable desire experienced in Robert's presence.
Again childishness is linked with sensuality as Robert is "childishly gratified to discover her appetite" when she lustily devours the meal he prepared. Unlike Léonce, Robert appeals to Edna's imagination, her hunger for fantasy. He plays along with her suggestion that she had slept a hundred years and introduces her to Madame Antoine, who spins stories of adventure and treasure.
Edna is captivated by the environment that Robert introduces to her and fosters with his own stories. On the return trip to Grand Isle, she "could hear the whispering voices of dead men and the click of muffled gold" — the novel's most vividly descriptive language yet. Chopin thus depicts the growing appeal of all Robert represents to Edna.
Note, also, that twice in Chapter 8 Robert touches her clothing, such as when he plays with her skirt hem during the storytelling or "familiarly adjusted a ruffle upon her shoulder." While the contact alone is significant, also key is the air of familiarity — that quality being the greatest bond between Edna and her husband. Her relationship with Robert takes on an even more familiar air in Chapter 14, when he assumes a husband's role in helping her put Etienne to bed. And just as the tone of their relationship has changed, so too has Edna changed, although by how much even she does not yet realize.
