Part 2, Chapter 10 Summary

It is Friday night and Charles is in an Indian restaurant with his invited guests. Harriet is there, as well as Vivien, Phillip, and Andrew Flint. While they eat the spicy food, a conversation about the current state of literature erupts. Flint is of the opinion that fiction in today's market is a popularity contest rather than of great intellectual value as it was in the past. Phillip and Charles argue with him, Charles nearly telling him of the Chatterton papers several times. Harriet chimes in, though she is so drunk she has nothing of value to add.

The conversation moves to the value of poetry in modern times. Again Flint's opinion is derogatory and Charles nearly tells him of the Chatterton manuscripts. Charles suddenly announces to the table that he is ill and apologizes to his wife for being stuck...