Chapter 3 Summary

Maturin writes lengthy entries in his diary. He uses peculiar personal shorthand with personal observations in Catalan and scientific observations in Latin. He is smitten with Diana and finds her on-again-off-again attitude baffling and incredibly attractive. He is disgusted by his own adolescent yearning for her. The days pass and Maturin and Aubrey often play piquet, with Maturin generally emerging the victor over the distracted Aubrey.

Both Aubrey and Maturin hold occasional conferences with naval and intelligence officers, respectively. Maturin meets with Sir Joseph; Maturin is obviously held in quite high regard by the admiralty intelligence service—a connection to which Aubrey is entirely ignorant. Aubrey considers purchasing an expensive violin but is not quite sure of the tone. On one return trip from the admiralty to Polcary Down Aubrey cautions Maturin about highwaymen—the peace has released many thousands of...