Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

This rather metaphysical chapter begins with Merivel mourning the loss of Minette and feeling lonely for some contact with his King, who has seemingly abandoned him. To that end, he composes an honest letter to the King revealing his feelings and asking for some acknowledgment from His Highness. However, three months later, the King has not responded. Merivel's painting instructor Finn, who has fallen on hard times and is living in Merivel's neighbor's barn, has been begging Merivel to use his influence with the King to get him a job in the royal court. Merivel rudely dismisses Finn with a lecture about the commercialism of that age and intimates that if Finn desires him to use his influence he must pay up. The truth is that Merivel no longer has any influence but seeks to put Finn off for a time...