Part 2 (through page 267) Summary

One evening, Gerard Hernshaw attends a meeting of the Gesellschaft. This time Crimond's supporters are determined that something must be done about the book. The members come to the conclusion that Gerard has to arrange a meeting with Crimond and discuss the specifics of the book.

The friends meet again some time later at Rose Curtland's home, the Boyars, for a reading party. One morning Gerard and Jenkin have breakfast together and then go for a walk. The conversation once again turns to Crimond and the book. Jenkin assures his friend that Crimond has been working on this book throughout the years. Gerard suddenly gets the feeling that somehow their very lives are bound up with Crimond and his book. The scene turns to a more pleasant diversion. The guests at the country house party all go skating on...