Chapter 6 (sections vii-viii) Summary

Maugham interrupts the story to talk directly to the reader. He is upset because he cannot in words tell the reader the soothing tone of Larry's voice. It is not preachy, but sincere, he says. The reason for the long passages on philosophy and religion, Maugham says, is so that the reader might better understand Larry. Maugham then has another look around the restaurant. It's almost deserted. The loud drunks are gone, as are the prostitutes. The few people that stop by are either coming off working the night shift or on the way to early morning jobs. Maugham states that is one of the strangest situations he has ever found himself in.

Larry continues his story about meeting Shri Ganesha, who turns out to be the Yogi he tells Isabel and Gray about when they are first reunited...