Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

The Master enters the Retiring Room and Lyra notices his eyes are instantly directed toward the table, where the Tokay had been. The group of Scholars begins filtering into the room; the group consists of: the Librarian, the Sub-Rector, the Enquirer, the Chaplain, and several others. The Master prepares some poppy, which is always served after a dinner in order to "clarify the mind and stimulate the tongue." After several minutes of banter, Lord Asriel gets the company's attention. Lord Asriel cleverly manipulates the seating arrangement so that the Sub-Rector, who is old and needs to be closer to the screen, is moved and the Master sits in his chair, which is conveniently located less than a yard from the wardrobe where Lyra is hiding. She hears a whispered conversation between the Librarian and the Master that clearly demonstrates their intent...