Chapters XXIV and XXV Summary

In the opening of chapter XXIV Uncle Jim talks to Corey about the reasons why Lapham rejected Corey's investment offer. He tries to give the young man an idea of just how bad Lapham's situation is even though he does not know the full extent of it himself. Penelope's mother, in the mean time, tells Penelope about Corey's offer. Persis believes this causes the girl's feelings towards Corey to soften. After a few failed attempts Penelope manages to send Corey a letter stating her feelings about her father's circumstances and attempting to explain why she requested he not come to their house again. Corey writes asking permission to come see her again, but she refuses to allow it.

Also in this chapter Lapham finally puts his house on Beacon Street up for sale. The very next day...