Chapter 10, Part 2 Summary

Fagerolles's note to Claude that his painting has been accepted leave him with mixed emotions. Still, the pride of being included in this year's Salon stimulates the yearning for recognition. Although Claude dreads putting in an appearance on "varnishing day" when the elite of Paris will be there, his excitement causes him to go anyway. Christine does not go, lacking courage to face what she fears may happen. In the Hall, the abominably dress women are settling down for a day of scandal mongering at one of the great social events in Paris.

Going around to look for his painting, Claude is unable to locate it. Back in the main Hall he notes that every aspect of Parisian society is represented from high government officials to the flamboyant courtesans. He notices a well-known critic who bears the countenance of one who...