Part 2, Chapter 9 Summary

Charles is having trouble seeing as he reads a book about Chatterton. Panic rising in his chest, he puts the book down and instead fusses over his son. When his son pushes him away, he goes to his desk and begins work on the preface for the book he will write about the Chatterton manuscripts. Charles continues to work even when his pen runs out of ink, until the phone rings and shatters his concentration. It is Harriet; she has called to tell him he does not need to come to their next appointed meeting time, she is too tired to work. Charles then invites her out to dinner. He returns to his work and cannot concentrate. He looks up and finds Edward watching him. Edward points to the portrait that began Charles's obsession and tells him the man in it...