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Summary
After the departure of all the other visitors, Fielding was waiting for the horse to be brought. Aziz called Fielding back and showed him the photo of his wife. Aziz tried to compensate for his earlier cold behavior. He tried to become thick with Fielding. He told Fielding that he was the first European to look at the photograph of his wife. Fielding was touched by the warmth shown and the confidence reposed in him. He too wanted to confide in Aziz but the Englishman's difference overpowered him. However, he told Aziz that he had loved a girl once who had rejected him and the disappointment had led him not to think of marriage again.
Fielding asked Aziz how he liked the two ladies, Miss Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore whom he had met last Thursday. This reminded Aziz of his promise to take the ladies to the Marber Caves. To change the topic, he asked Fielding why he had not married Miss Adela Quested. Fielding was shocked. He told Aziz that Adela was a prig and had no attraction for him. Besides that she was engaged to Ronny. Aziz advised Fielding to be careful. His confession that he did not believe in God and that he had come for a job to India might be reported against him and he might lose his Job. Fielding replied that he did not care. If he had to leave, he would leave gladly.
Aziz assumed the role of a protector and assured Fielding that he could call upon him and Hamiddullah whenever he was in trouble. Fielding retorted that he would not be in trouble at all. Aziz found Fielding to be warm-hearted and unconventional. They became very friendly.
Critical Analysis
This chapter shows the growing friendship between Aziz and Fielding. Aziz could be frank to a person whom he thought worthy and could even be concerned about a person. He could be gallant if he wanted to. Fielding proved to be a man of integrity and could stand up to all odds. He was not afraid of defending his principles even if it was unpopular. All the same he was courteous and kind. The haughtiness of the English locals has not touched him. However, he could not shake of that 'reservedness' which was inborn in him.