Chapter 4, What Maniac Conceived It? Summary

After July, Coleman stops spending time with Nathan. Nathan at first blames himself, thinking he may not have been a good enough friend. However, when Nathan later learns about Coleman's secret, he understands that it might have been because they grew up in the same area and Coleman was afraid Nathan would figure out the truth sooner rather than later. Nathan sees Coleman one Saturday in August with Faunia. They are all attending an open rehearsal of the Boston Symphony. Nathan sees them come in shortly before the performance begins and watches them, observing the way they talk to each other. When Coleman and Faunia leave the Music Shed during a break, Nathan follows and purposely runs into them on their way back in. Coleman is quiet, distracted, brushing off Nathan's offer to take them...