This number starts with biting comment on women and their relationship to each other. "To be despised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman." Lady Crawley "showed her friendship by abusing all her intimate acquaintances to her new confidante [Becky] (than which there can't be a more touching proof of regard)." Rich people like Lady Crawley take needy people's services as their due. Even Rawdon realizes that his aunt Mrs Bute Crawley is trying to entangle him with Rebecca so that she won't become the third wife of Sir Pitt.
Of Amelia's blind love for George Thackeray says that she doesn't care about the war in Europe but when Napoleon abdicates she throws herself into George's arms because he won't have to go overseas. "The fate of Europe was Lieutenant George Osborne to her." The Misses Osborne do not know such tender passion as does Amelia, and they think her stupid and without charm.
Becky, also in contrast to Amelia, weeps "some of the most genuine tears that ever fell from her eyes," when she has to refuse the proposal of the rich Sir Pitt.
Thackeray contrasts George and William. George reveals himself when he lights his cigars with Amelia's letters, buys himself a pin with money borrowed to get Amelia a present, and wants to sow wild oats. In one thought he observes how much Amelia loves him and how dreadfully his head aches from the wine. By his conduct William betrays his feeling for Amelia and the loyalty of his character. Even though his mouth is full, he bursts out at mealtime in defense of Miss Sedley. He loans George money to buy Amelia a gift, worries about her, and interrogates George as to his intentions.
