Summary

Through social channels, David hears that Debbie had gossiped about him at a party, claiming that he is something of a sex-obsessed misogynist. This is similar to how she views Baumgarten. David is quite enraged by this, and he writes a letter to Debbie demanding an apology and an explanation. Debbie’s response is rather flippant and unsatisfactory to David; thus, a series of letters are exchanged in a growing argument among David, Debbie, and Arthur. Dr. Klinger tells David that Debbie is a gossip and that David should not concern himself with the trivialities of gossip. David feels himself wholly convinced by this sentiment, so he pursues the matter with Debbie no further. David’s friendship with Baumgarten grows, and they meet regularly to talk. David admits to Baumgarten that he still misses Helen. Baumgarten talks to David about the many travails his...