Lakhasly

Dr.Dr. Sloper's thoughts indicate that he may like him but is somewhat wary because Townsend seems to have "the assurance of the devil himself." After dinner Townsend tells Catherine he thinks Dr. Sloper does not like him, but Catherine attempts to reassure him. Catherine will not sound her father out, as Townsend suggests, because she could never oppose him or his judgment. Dr. Sloper divulges his misgivings about Townsend only to his sister Elizabeth Almond, who reports that Mrs. Penniman has told her Catherine is in love with him. Dr. Sloper is convinced that Townsend is "not what I would call a gentleman ... [and has] a vulgar nature."Elizabeth wonders that he is come to such a definite conclusion about Townsend over one dinner, but the doctor insists his lifetime of experience validates his snap judgments.Catherine wears her fancy red dress to the dinner.

Dr. Sloper finds the whole Townsend affair rather amusing and is even "promising himself some entertainment from the little drama" as he delves more deeply into Townsend's character. He thinks he should "judge [Townsend] on his personal merits ... because he] thought it very vulgar to be precipitate in accusing people of mercenary motives." Dr. Sloper tells Mrs. Penniman that the next time Townsend visits she should invite him to dinner which she does a few days later.

Catherine wears her fancy red dress to the dinner. Dr. Sloper speaks little but observes Townsend closely and notes that he seems to be an able and intelligent young man. Dr. Sloper's thoughts indicate that he may like him but is somewhat wary because Townsend seems to have "the assurance of the devil himself." After dinner Townsend tells Catherine he thinks Dr. Sloper does not like him, but Catherine attempts to reassure him. Catherine will not sound her father out, as Townsend suggests, because she could never oppose him or his judgment.

Dr. Sloper divulges his misgivings about Townsend only to his sister Elizabeth Almond, who reports that Mrs. Penniman has told her Catherine is in love with him. Dr. Sloper is convinced that Townsend is "not what I would call a gentleman ... [and has] a vulgar nature." Elizabeth wonders that he is come to such a definite conclusion about Townsend over one dinner, but the doctor insists his lifetime of experience validates his snap judgments.