Part 3, Chapter 23 Summary

During the surgery, Katherine lapses into a coma that does not subside after the delivery. The baby cannot suck on Katherine's teat, since it gives off a bitter liquid. The baby is taken to a wet nurse. Merivel decides to name the girl Margaret, after his mother and after the Margaret Fell building at the asylum. Merivel stays with Katherine all night and even remembers a type of phlebotomy that may help. As he opens a vein in her arm, her eyes open, and she stares at Merivel. After the stare doesn't abate, he realizes she is dead and closes her eyes. Everyone cries except Merivel. To his credit, he doesn't say any flowery words at the funeral, realizing they would not be from his heart.

Merivel finds time to converse with Finn about how he can make a living painting...