A week has passed since Cassandra returned from London. She writes in Mortmain’s office in the gatehouse. After returning from London, Stephen packs his things and says goodbye, intending to move to the City full-time to pursue acting. Cassandra receives a telegram from Rose asking her to “please try to understand” (293) without revealing that she has run away with Neil.

Cassandra worries about her father’s mental health and questions whether she has been making enough of an effort to be close with him. She realizes she’s afraid of him but doesn’t know why. She confronts Mortmain in his office about what he’s been working on. He becomes irritated and tries to force her out, violently throwing her across the room. His anger vanishes when he realizes he has hurt her. He confirms that he has been working, collecting materials and inspiration, but that his creative process requires secrecy. She sits quietly in his office as her mother used to, which comforts him as he has lost confidence in his writing ability.

Mortmain goes to bed, after which Cassandra plans to lock Mortmain in Belmotte Tower as an inducement to write. Cassandra hopes that it will psychologically reverse any fear that his incarceration created in him.