The novel seems to stay true to its title. Who would have thought it would end with a beginning? In its final chapters, the story seemed to shift its focus from the older generation to the younger generation. The story highlights the newly established relationships such as the marriage of Ruth Norval and Julius Caesar Cackle, the alliance between Hackwell and Ruth and possibilities such as a union between Julian and Lola.

Dr. Norval fades into the background. We hear about his opposition to sending Mrs. Norval to the asylum but we do not actually hear his words. In fact, this is the one of the few times he has been mentioned since his return. Mrs. Norval looses her capability of speech.

It is quite interesting that his return was marked by silence. Burton restores the status quo through Mrs. Norval’s mysterious illness. She interfered with Dona Medina’s wishes for Lola to have plenty of jewelry. Fortune’s wheel seems to have tuned. Now, her existence is muted. Dona Medina was fortunate to have her will documented but Mrs. Norval is not that lucky. Ruth complains “Isn’t is provoking that pa won’t let me have a handsome wedding?” Dr. Norval, who was mostly absent in their lives, is left to make the decisions on his own.

Dr. Norval seemed to have gained control through Mrs. Norval’s powerless state. The novel seems to be concerned with acquisition through deprivation. Mrs. Norval and her daughter’s dressed themselves in the finest silks at Lola’s expense. Hackwell tried to win Lola like a piece of property through blackmail.

He tricked her into pretending to be his wife. With Julian’s help, Lola is able to escape to Mexico. This probably the only time she was victorious throughout the entire novel. And she achieves it though deception. They led Hackwell into assuming that Lola was aboard the Dove.