Atdtda29: Bevis takes charge, 826

[Paul Nightingale]

If Cyprian and Bevis accompany Jacintha on deck at the end of 58.2 they are
ignored by both "the company" and the narrative as Jacintha becomes the
centre of attention. Here, as the journey continues, she provides "a useful
pretext for not getting off earlier", again rendering them, in effect,
invisible (to anyone, that is, seeking anomaly). Subsequently, with Jacintha
no longer present, progress will made "under the gaze of lenses, multiplied
beyond counting, stationed at every vantage".

In 58.1 Jacintha was part of Lady Quethlock's cover ("a Lady Spy and her
apprentice", 822); here, she provides a similar service for Cyprian/Bevis.
Role-playing aside, Bevis is "signally glum" when they have parted; given
that Cyprian appears oblivious to the effect on Bevis of Jacintha's
departure, this constitutes further distancing of the narrative from
Cyprian's pov. Earlier, he "[has gone] along with the change of plan", from
which we infer that Bevis has made the call. The moment also echoes
Cyprian's own parting from Yashmeen on 815. By the end of the section the
narrative has emphasised itinerary over character, perhaps in the way of a
film graphic tracing progress on the map. Cf. Cyprian's initial dismay at
being presented with the map by Theign (806-807).