The Fountainhead Part 1, Chapter 4

Francon shows Keating an article written by Ellsworth M. Toohey, one of the foremost critics of architecture. In it, he greatly praises the classical styles put to modern use in the Melton Building, which was built by Francon. He also praises the fact that Francon used horizontal lines to bring the building down to the level of the people. Francon doesn't necessarily understand what Toohey is talking about, but he's happy with the review. Keating has learned a lot about Francon in the time he has spent at Francon & Heyer, and has become intrigued by Francon's daughter who is away at college. Lucius N. Heyer is introduced as a "withered aristocrat;" he does no work for the company, but no one seems to mind.

Everyone in the office loves Peter Keating. His best friend, Tim Davis, is upset because Francon has made him stay late to finish plans, when he had already cancelled several dates with his girlfriend. She said she would end the relationship if he cancels another time. Keating offers to finish the draft for him, promising not to tell a soul, and secretly plans to replace him. He does the plans, leaves the office, and begins to feel lonely. He thinks of Catherine Halsey, a girl he knew at Stanton. He knows she loves him, and he loves her too. He shows up at her door; she is there and acts as if no time has passed. He tells her what he's been doing, and without thinking, blurts out how he really feels about working with Francon. He doesn't deserve the recognition he receives. She talks about her uncle, and says he'd rather she not go to college; we discover that the uncle is Ellsworth Toohey. Peter exclaims that he doesn't want to meet him now, through her, because he doesn't want to use her. He will meet him sometime, and Toohey will make his career, but not now. Peter leaves.

Cameron asks to see Roark in his office; he has not spoken this many words in months. Two of the other draftsmen, Loomis and Simpson, do not like Roark and are sure that Cameron is going to fire him. Cameron had given Roark the task of making plans for a country residence; when Roark goes into Cameron's office, Cameron tells him that his plans represent an ideal that no one will let him build, and fires him. Cameron tells Roark he'll become a nobody if he continues to work for him--he tells him to go to Francon. Cameron asks Roark if he wants to become like him, and Roark says yes. Cameron tells him to go home, he will have a lot of work to do to fix the plans for the house.