Ah, the Keatings and their sterile marriage. Dominique is always polite—so polite that Keating's frightened mother has fled their home and moved to a small apartment. One evening, Keating tells Dominique he has just read The Gallant Gallstone; to prove it, he sums up the book in the exact wording that was used in a book review in the Banner. He expresses frustration that Dominique never ventures an opinion about anything. He is living with a beautiful, polite zombie.
They analyze themselves: Dominique is trying to put herself in a position of self-disgust, and not succeeding. Keating is trying to find some self-respect, and not succeeding.
Toohey calls. Yes, by all means come by, Ellsworth! We were on the verge of facing reality; it was just too horrible.
Toohey reveals he has arranged for Dominique to meet Gail Wynand, in the hope of getting Keating the Stoneridge commission. While Keating is getting drinks in the kitchen, Toohey expresses satisfaction to Dominique that their bad marriage has thoroughly degraded Keating, but disappointment that Dominique hasn't been brought down as well. Bwa-ha-ha! How are those highballs coming, Peter?
Dominique meets Wynand, who reveals that Toohey gave him the statue to get him to agree to the meeting. Dominique reveals the sculptor's name: Steven Mallory—the fellow who took a shot at Toohey. Wynand: Why was the statue built? Dominique: For the Stoddard Temple. You were out of town. Wynand: Was the Temple worthy of the statue? Dominique: The statue was almost worthy of the Temple. Wynand: How do you know I was out of town? Dominique: Because you fired me by cable. Wynand: Wait, you're Dominique Francon? Small world. Dominique: Regarding Stoneridge—I will sleep with you if you give the commission to my husband. Wynand: Well, that's direct! You love your husband? Dominique: I despise him. And he's a third-rate architect. And I have no interest in sleeping with you. Wynand: Then why this offer? Dominique: I wish to degrade myself as much as possible. Wynand: Excellent. I think I shall like you. We will start off with a two-month cruise on my yacht. Let's have dinner with your husband tomorrow at some fancy restaurant.
Afterward, Wynand arranges to see several of Mallory's works. He buys five for his private gallery.
At the dinner, Wynand reveals the terms of the deal to Keating. Wynand: Of course, if you object, I can give the commission to your rival over there, Ralston Holcombe. Keating: (mortified, but unable to object).
Two days before the cruise, Wynand shows Dominique his private gallery—the art work he never shares with anyone. Dominique: Were you trying to curry favor with me by showing me this? Wynand: No, I just wanted you to see it.
Wow, this is all so believable.
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