Gilbert admits to his friend Halford that it was hard to read of Helen’s affection for Huntingdon but he feels a “selfish gratification” (402) at learning how her feelings were extinguished. When he is done reading, Gilbert opens his window to the half-frozen dew and the sounds of the awakening countryside. He is happy to know that Helen is what he thought her; he says, “[H]er character shone bright, and clear, and stainless” (403), and in comparison he feels remorse for his own conduct.

He visits Wildfell, and despite Rachel’s efforts to turn him away, Arthur leads him inside. Gilbert asks Helen if she can forgive him, but she instead asks if he can forgive her, for she has done wrong and is now reaping the bitter fruits of her error. Helen feels they should no longer see each other, but Gilbert says he cannot live without her and asks if they might be friends. Helen says if they keep meeting, the final parting will only be more painful. They must separate now so he might forget her and be free to marry another.

Gilbert asks if they might write. Helen says she is planning to leave Wildfell and will not tell him where she is going.