Lois Cook, Jules Fouger, Gus Webb, Ellsworth Toohey, Lancelot Clokey, and Ike gather informally to discuss Ike's latest work. He proclaims that it's the worst play you'll ever hear. The others agree that it's awful. Jules Fouger, the Banner's new drama critic, says that it's a great play, however, and it will be a success. He explains, because some of the men don't get it, that the greatest achievement he could have, as a drama critic, would be to praise a horrible play and as a result have the public love it.
Toohey starts to support new architecture; that is, the school of architecture which is rising in popularity in Europe, which is buildings consisting of four walls and a flat top.
He writes a column about modern architecture, saying that Henry Cameron was one of the forefathers of this style, although even Cameron was bound by beauty and ornamentation. The new architecture was to have no beauty, ornamentation, or theme. Peter reads this and is disturbed, asking why Ellsworth didn't mention him in the article, only Gus Webb. Toohey then speaks at a luncheon and says that this style has always been moving forward; he does not apologize for his Classical buildings, but that now is the time for more modern buildings.
Keating turns the Stoneridge building over to his designers, Neil Dumont and Bennett, and Francon announces his retirement. The firm becomes Keating and Dumont.
