Chapters XVI, XVII and XVIII Summary

Lapham is not home when Corey arrives, so Penelope goes downstairs to greet him. The two converse stiffly for a few minutes before talk turns to the book Penelope is reading, Tears, Idle Tears. Penelope is outwardly critical of the girl in the novel having given up her love for another just because that one cared for the man first. She wonders why characters in novels are not allowed to act reasonably.

It is in the midst of this conversation that Corey admits that it is Penelope that he loves and not Irene. Penelope is shocked at his admission and tells him that if this is true, he must leave and not come back. Corey begs her to tell him why but she refuses. Just before her father enters the room Penelope asks Corey once...