Chapter 13 Summary

Selwyn is concerned about how his book, Birch Tree Thoughts, is progressing. Frank informs Selwyn that a new cost accountant will be joining the firm. This is something that had been worked out before Nellie left. Frank is conscious of the fact that it would have been better if Selwyn had been invited to be present at the interviews.

Kuriatin calls to ask why Frank needs more staff. He also wants Frank to have dinner with him at Rusalochka's, a crowded, very noisy, tea-room attached to the Merchants' Club. The waiters careen around among the tables, wheeling great silver tea-pots as if they were piloting bumper cars. While Frank and Kuriatin are there, unable to talk because of the noise, Selwyn appears at the table and seems to want to say something to Frank. Kuriatin begs him to sit and join them, but...