The Blithedale Romance | Chapter 19 Summary

Coverdale feels compelled to figure out the reason behind Zenobia's and Priscilla's presence, and their connection with Westervelt.  Zenobia is irritated with his "vulgar curiosity", but Coverdale feels his interest is justified by his pure motivations, the "quality of (his) intellect and...heart".  It occurs to him that rather than just sit and wonder about what is going on, he might go and visit Zenobia and find out for himself.  Accordingly, he goes to Zenobia's drawing-room, and is greeted cordially by Zenobia.

Zenobia is much changed from her days at Blithedale.  Whereas on the farm she dressed with simplicity, she is now attired with the finest of clothing and ornaments.  Either way, she is beautiful, but Coverdale wonders if she "ever really numbered (herself) with (their) little band of earnest, thoughtful, philanthropic laborers".  Zenobia responds that "those ideas have their time and place", but that for her, it is important to have room for other ideas as well.  When Coverdale makes an allusion to the single-minded Hollingsworth's weakness in that area, Zenobia leaps to his defense, and Coverdale, rebuked, admires her loyalty.

Coverdale then inquires about Priscilla, and mentions his doubts about the advisability of the young woman spending so much time with a man like Hollingsworth.  Zenobia is disturbed by this comment, but reveals that Priscilla is actually present there now, and calls her into the drawing room.