Chapters 5-8 Summary

Chapter 5. Mr. Townsend comes to visit Catherine and her aunt at the house on Washington Square a few days later in the company of his cousin. Mr. Townsend spends the visit speaking of Catherine with Mrs. Penniman while Catherine entertains her cousin's fiancé. During this visit Catherine learns that Mr. Townsend has been away from New York for a long time traveling, but that he has recently lost his small fortune and is looking for work. The only relative Mr. Townsend has to rely on is a sister and she is trying to raise five children alone. Later, Catherine learns from Mrs. Penniman that Mr. Townsend wishes to court her.

Chapter 6. Dr. Sloper teases his sister that night when he learns of Mr. Townsend's visit and suggests that he might propose to Catherine on his next visit. Mrs. Penniman brushes this...