This chapter follows Mrs Gould through two scenes united by the theme of Separation. In the first one, she confronts Charles Gould seeking comfort in their precarious situation, and finds him cold, distant, and irretrievably committed to his dream-ideal. In their conversation they acknowledge for the first time the underlying separateness of their two personalities in the marriage. Mrs Gould has now come to picture their San Tomé ideal as a wall of silver that has grown up "between her and her husband."

From marital Separation, Mrs Gould is plunged into political Separation, confronted by Decoud who brings news that Montero has defeated Ribiera, and coerces her support for his plan to separate Sulaco from the rest of Costaguana. In her acquiescence she embraces Separation on both levels, deliberately withholding news of the battle from Charles so that the silver needed for Decoud's plan will come down to the harbor.