Page 34 through 76. Summary

Hofmiller begins this section by noting that his actions with his regiment are the first signs of the poison his pity causes. He feels drawn to the emotion, and finds himself wishing to see Edith simply to evoke it. Days later, he is invited to dinner again and accepts. He dines with men twice his rank and treated as an equal. He sits with the women following dinner, and finds himself entertaining them thoroughly, while noting Kekesfalva watching intently. He finds Edith attractive in her happiness. At the end of the evening, Kekesfalva shows Hofmiller great gratitude in front of the other military men, and Hofmiller is again emotional. He begins to feel powerful as he is able to give so much pleasure, and finds himself liking his new emotions. He begins to spend more and more time at the Kekesfalva's...