The French Lieutenant’s Woman: Chapter 33 Summary & Analysis

Sam and Mary are as astonished to see Charles as he is to see them. They’re all frozen until Sarah appears briefly in the doorway, and Sam’s mouth falls open. Charles demands to know what Sam is doing here. He says he’s just walking, and everything is ready for them to leave already. He promises they didn’t know Charles was here. Charles asks Mary to leave them alone, which she does. Sam acts humble. Charles tells him that he’s here to help the doctor who’s treating Sarah, and Sam and Mary must say nothing about seeing him here. Sam promises, and Charles tries to pay him off, but Sam refuses to take money. He goes to find Mary. It’s unclear why they were heading for the barn, and it may seem odd that Mary was so upset about Sam being gone for only a few days. They walk into the woods and then collapse into silent laughter.

Charles decides that he has acted in a way that could be hurting Sarah, so he returns to the barn. She’s standing by the window. Charles asks her forgiveness for taking advantage of her. He blames himself for everything. He says he’s going to London, and he thinks she should go to Exeter. He offers her money. He knows this speech sounds awful. Sarah says she’ll never see him again, but she lives for seeing him. Charles feels trapped in the implicit threat, but she says she would have killed herself before now if she meant to. She thanks him for the money and agrees to go to Exeter.

Charles tells Sarah that certain people want to put her in an asylum, so she shouldn’t return to Lyme. He’ll send her box to Exeter. He suggests she walk to Axmouth Cross to avoid possible scandal, though this is a walk of nine miles. Sarah agrees. She points out that she doesn’t have any references, but Charles says she can use Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Tranter. Mrs. Tranter will also be willing to give her financial assistance. Sarah thanks him, and he thanks her, saying that she’s remarkable. She repeats the compliment simply. A silence stretches out until Charles makes to leave, feeling clumsy.

Charles doesn’t want to seem ashamed, so he invites Sarah to walk back to the path with him, which she does. When they reach it, they shake hands. Charles says he’ll never forget her. She looks at him as though there’s some knowledge he must perceive there. After a moment, he leaves. When he looks back, she’s still there. Ten minutes later, he stops at a view towards the Cobb and sees Sarah far away, coming towards him. He hesitates, then goes on his way.