The Artist's Way

Arthur, or John if the meetings are left until the epilogue, finds Charles Châtenay drinking at Doyle's Tavern in northern Saint Denis. The French painter asks for a brandy and talks of his travels, his art and the women he has known. Before leaving, Charles gives him a sketch. At Charles's residence, an enraged husband smashes his way inside, drags Charles out and accuses him of sleeping with his wife. The protagonist either drives the man away or watches Charles endure the confrontation. Charles then invites him to an exhibition at Galerie Laurent.

At Galerie Laurent, the protagonist joins the visitors viewing Charles's paintings. The gathering turns hostile when people recognise themselves and their relatives in the artwork, apparently painted without permission. A brawl erupts through the gallery as Charles slips away. He tells the protagonist that he must keep out of sight for a few days.

The protagonist later finds Charles under an archway, dressed as a woman. Claiming that Saint Denis is persecuting him, Charles says he is leaving for the South Pacific and asks for help reaching a ship while angry locals search for him. They make their way through northern Saint Denis toward the docks, with Charles trying to avoid recognition. Men waiting at the waterfront confront them. Charles runs for the ship while the protagonist fights the attackers, then Charles boards and departs.