Part 2, Chapter 8 Summary

In chapter 8, Maud reveals that she has habitually tormented Agnes, her lady's maid. The reader is introduced to Mr. Hawtrey, a London publisher and bookseller who deals in pornography, and Mr. Huss, a friend of her uncle since their youth, who is also a collector of pornography. Finally, the reader meets Gentleman, known to Maud as Richard Rivers. The reader learns that Mr. Lilly has a second study in which he keeps pornographic engravings that he has collected along with his books. Richard immediately shows interest in Maud and initiates sympathetic conversation with her. He expresses concern over her gloved hands. Maud points out that it is the books, and not her hands, that her uncle wishes to protect. Richard expresses concern over the hours she spends working for her uncle and the loneliness of her existence. Mr. Hawtrey presents new...