Chapters IX and X Summary

In chapter nine, Newman pays a visit to Claire the day after he has spoken to Valentin. Newman comments to Claire that it is during this visit that they have been alone together for the first time. Newman asks Claire if she is aware that Newman has spoken to Valentin. She says that she is aware of their conversation. Claire tells Newman she is seeing him because she promised her brother that she would. Newman tells Claire that he likes he deeply. Although he knows that her family believes that he is somehow not worthy of her, Newman asks Claire to make her decision about him based on whether or not she likes him, not what her family thinks about him.

Although Claire seems fascinated by Newman's speech, she responds by telling him that she has decided...