Chapter 14 Summary

Williams, continuing with annual tradition, holds his Christmas party at Mercer House, though he foregoes the second party meant for gentlemen only. While some guests decline the invitation, about 150 out of 200 invitees show up. Williams explains that those who believe they are better than he are the ones who stay away, and the people who don't care what others think come to the party. He says the ones who accept his invitation are the secure ones. They have connections and well-known ancestors.

Williams describes the guests at his party, most of whom are wealthy and prominent. He points out Roger and Claire Moultrie, whom Williams says fought with local policemen the year before but were declared innocent in court, thanks to several character witnesses to testify that they are respectable figures. Williams and the narrator engage in conversation with Harry Cram, a fun-loving...