Summary

In the whorehouse, the girls discuss whether Angelica Neal is stooping to be seen with the mermaid merchant, Mr. Hancock. At the end of Chapter 12 they discuss the mermaid party and wonder whether people want to see “a beautiful siren” or a “malevolent little beast?” (108). In Chapter 13, Mr. Hancock admonishes his niece, Sukie, for prying into his business affairs with the mermaid because he does not want her to find out he hired the mermaid to a whorehouse. Mrs. Chappell’s “nunnery” (111) shocks Mr. Hancock and he recognizes politicians and people from Court among those waiting to get inside. He meets Angelica Neal, recognizes her from a bawdy portrait, and finds her unnervingly beautiful. She leads him into Mrs. Chappell’s salon, where he notes the richness of the furnishings.

In Chapter 13, Mr. Hancock and Angelica go to the mermaid’s grotto...