Flory has been longing for a companion with whom he can be honest, and his excited reaction to Elizabeth Lackersteen suggests that he sees her as a potential companion—yet he begins their relationship by lying to her about his connection with Ma Hla May, showing that his shame and fear of social rejection are still stronger than his desire to speak freely. Additionally, his lie about Ma Hla May hints that he believes his relationship with a non-white woman would be unacceptable to an Englishwoman like Elizabeth, emphasizing the role of racism and social status in their nascent love triangle.