Chapter 13 Summary

McTeague receives a letter from City Hall stating that, because he did not graduate from a dental college, he is not permitted to continue his practice. McTeague is forced to reveal the truth to his wife. He did not, in fact, attend a dental college, having learned all he knows through an informal apprenticeship with a travelling dentist. Suddenly, the realization hits Trina that Marcus must be behind this. He must have told the authorities of McTeague's lack of formal education in an effort to get in one final parting shot before vanishing from their lives.

Trina is afraid of what may become of herself and her husband if McTeague stops practicing. She does not want to face that possibility. Trina instructs her husband to continue on as though nothing has happened. When a second notice comes, this time delivered in person, Trina...