Chapters IV and V Summary

The Laphams soon recover from their quarrel and as a family visit the construction site of their new home in Chapter IV. As Lapham and his daughters sit in the frame of a bay window talking, Corey comes walking up the street. Lapham leads Corey on a tour of the home, then they meet with Persis. After a few moments discussion the others move to the back of the house and leave Irene and Corey alone for a moment.

Lapham later remarks to his family that he likes Corey's looks but does not like the idea that the young man lives off his father. As they are going to bed that night Lapham tells his wife he could "make a man" of Corey if Corey would come work with him. The Lapham sisters also discuss Corey as...