Chapter 8 Summary

As the Baudelaire children walk back to the house with Mr. Poe, they try to convince him that Stephano is really Count Olaf in disguise. They are interrupted by the sudden arrival of Dr. Lucafont, who Stephano has apparently called in. He is a thin man with strangely solid hands. The children are amazed that a doctor could arrive so quickly, and he tells them that time is of the essence. Stephano appears in the doorway with a pot of coffee, and Dr. Lucafont asks for a cup. This surprises Mr. Poe, especially after the doctor just said that time was of the essence.

Mr. Poe joins Stephano in a cup of coffee and apologizes for the rudeness of Violet and Klaus. Stephano replies that the children are just upset about the murder of Uncle Monty and that it is quite understandable. Violet...