Preview: Part II, Chapter 12

Reading boundary Start: Mr. Stryver having made up his mind Stop after: winking at his ceiling.

Stryver sets out confidently on personal business but pauses at Tellson’s to announce his plan. Mr. Lorry must balance loyalty to Lucie with tact toward a man who considers rejection almost inconceivable.

Stryver’s confidence and Lorry’s tact meet in the business language each uses to protect pride. Their sharply different estimates of the situation drive the comedy.