- The novel shifts back to Mrs. Moore, and tells us that Mrs. Moore died somewhere in the Indian Ocean on the way back to England. She was buried at sea.
- A myth about Mrs. Moore spreads around Chandrapore. Rumor has it that Ronny killed his mother to prevent her from testifying in defense of Aziz. Places rumored to be her grave start collecting little ritual offerings, as if she were a goddess.
- Ronny feels somewhat responsible for his mother's death because he pushed her to leave so soon, in the middle of the heat. But he explains away the guilt with the thought that it was partly her fault for being so difficult. He decides to break off his engagement with Adela after Aziz's suit against her for damages is decided.