Chapter 23 Summary

Tom sees Bernard off to the music camp Herbert Woodruff has banished him to. Bernard expresses his appreciation to Tom as the best teacher he has ever had, a compliment that means a great deal to Tom. Then later, Tom is surprised by a phone call from Herbert inviting him to dinner after his concert next week. Tom goes to the concert with Susan and thoroughly enjoys the music. He is struck by Herbert's artistry. The small dinner party turns ugly as Herbert goes after Tom with cruel sarcasm. Susan has enough and lashes out at the beautiful blonde, Monique, for having an affair with her husband. Monique runs out of the room crying. Madison Kingsley, a famous playwright, and his wife Christine are also guests. They try to diffuse the situation, but Herbert will not let up. Finally, Tom gets Herbert to...