Washington Square

Catherine does not see Townsend in the week following his interview with Dr. Sloper, but she writes to him to ask that he not come back to the house until she makes up her mind what to do. Catherine does not intend to give Townsend up, but she looks for a way not to directly oppose her father’s wishes. She hopes that if she fulfills her duties to her father while also remaining faithful to Townsend, some solution will present itself. Mrs. Penniman, by contrast, counsels Catherine to take bold action. She has been in daily contact with Townsend. She sets up a meeting with him in an oyster saloon at dusk, and she wears a veil.

When Mrs. Penniman and Townsend meet at the oyster saloon, he asks if Catherine sent a message. But Mrs. Penniman did not tell Catherine of her intention to meet with Townsend. He then asks if Catherine will hold steadfast to her relationship with him despite her father’s wishes. Mrs. Penniman says that Catherine is committed to him.

Mrs. Penniman suggests that her brother will never be convinced by arguments to accept Townsend. The better tactic would be to marry Catherine privately.