Part 5 Christendom, pages 275-306 Summary

Nathan finds a quiet corner away from those taking refreshments. Maria's sister, Sarah, approaches and begins a conversation by calling Nathan a "moral guinea pig." The conversation immediately escalates into Sarah saying insulting things about Nathan and everyone in her family. In her unceasing attack she insults Maria, calls her mother a "terrible anti-Semite," and lists several anti-Semitic English books in case Nathan doubts the anti-Semitic mood of the nation as a whole. Sarah concludes her attack by threatening Nathan with what will happen with relations between Maria and her mother if Nathan tries to prevent the new baby from being christened.

After leaving the service, Nathan does not immediately tell Maria of the conversation with Sarah. They are on the way to celebrate her birthday, and he does not want to ruin the mood. Nevertheless, he...