Summary

Chapter 4 takes place January 8, 1906, in New York, New York. Belle arrives for the first day of work, wondering if she can match the promises she made. She holds back a laugh and thinks the difference the “extravagant” salary of 75 dollars a month will make to her family. This means Genevieve will not longer have to give music lessons. She also knows she will move in higher social circles. She takes note of the gold leaf on the ceiling and a huge marble fireplace, with three floors of bookcases, many waiting for Belle to fill them. A man later identified as Mr. King greets her, shows her crates of books waiting to be cataloged, and leaves her. Belle is immersed in a copy of Quixote when Pierpont enters. She apologizes for being caught up in the task, which Pierpont dismisses. Pierpont says King is...