Overton finds that he likes Ernest more as he leaves his family and religion behind. Theobald and Christina soon appear at Overton’s house, but Overton hides Ernest. Over the next few days, Ernest looks for work as a tailor but finds nothing. Overton consults his tailor, who considers Ernest’s plan unlikely to succeed. Overton returns home to find Ernest looking happy.

The narrative skips back a day or so. Ernest runs into Ellen, who warms up to him when he explains that he spent time in prison. The two share a meal. Wanting to put his higher-class lifestyle behind him, Ernest asks Ellen to move in with him and marry him soon.

Ellen suggests that Ernest open his own shop, which they can run together. Overton disapproves of Ernest’s intention to marry Ellen, but Ernest insists. Against his better judgment, Overton helps Ellen and Ernest rent a location for a combined home and secondhand clothes and books shop. Hoping to preserve Ernest’s love of music and literature, Overton furnishes a den for him with some furniture and a piano that he left with