Chapter 5: At the age of fourteen Paul gets his first job
at a factory, where he works 12 hours a day. Meanwhile
William writes from London, telling his mother about
the busy social life he leads and about his new girl-friend.
Gertrude is concerned about her eldest son’s well-being.
Chapter 6: Arthur goes to Grammar School and spends
only weekends at home, Annie becomes a teacher and
William gets engaged but doesn’t look very happy. Paul
is not well either so Gertrude takes him out into the
countryside. Some months later Gertrude is advised about
William’s illness. She rushes to London but he dies in her
care. Paul falls seriously ill but recovers after a long time in
bed.
Chapter 7: Paul makes friends with Miriam. He visits her
home and teaches her Maths or meets her at the Bestwood
Library. Gertrude doesn’t quite agree with this relation.
Chapter 8: Paul’s paintings win a prize in an exhibition.
Paul meets Clara, who used to be married and works at
Jordan’s. He finds Miriam’s company engaging until his
mother, ill with a weak heart, voices her dislike of the girl.
Morel turns violent on arriving home drunk and his wife
faints.