Theo prepares for another “bestowal,” noting how Minnette came curious and Kendrick skeptical, and wondering how Ellen might have arrived at hers. At the Fedder fountain on a Thursday night, Basil Cannonfield approaches with calm confidence, recognizing Theo as the listener who stood nearby during Basil’s recent sets and left a generous tip.

Seated together, Basil asks why Theo is giving portraits away. Theo repeats his practiced explanation about the Chalice’s portrait wall, his inspiration, and his objective. Basil admits he has only briefly looked at his own portrait, though he admires Asher’s talent and is pleased Theo is returning the drawings.

As they talk, a bright late-hanging oak leaf drops into Theo’s lap, prompting Theo to call it “a coin of gold,” an image Basil likes as potential song material. Basil describes his “gumbo” approach to music and explains his path: a military childhood, a love of writing and music nurtured by teachers, and an English degree meant to lead to teaching—where he tried to bring “magic” through words to struggling students.

Basil then recounts the turning point: his sister Genevieve’s cancer diagnosis, her husband leaving, and Basil quitting teaching to care for her. After Genevieve died about a year later, Basil was left with grief and anger, especially when the estranged husband received her life insurance and took property during the funeral. Unable to return to teaching, Basil began busking, learning the rules and enduring being ignored, while living modestly with his girlfriend and occasionally considering tutoring or substitute teaching for stability.

Before Basil goes to play, Theo reveals Basil’s portrait and explains what Theo sees in it: a boyish smile paired with wise eyes—“a tender heart; a wise, old soul”—and even “the possibility of a saint.” Basil rejects the idea, listing his resentments and perceived failures, but Theo reframes Basil as “raw material” and urges him to sing as the better self the portrait suggests. They part with a hug; Basil heads to perform, and Theo stays behind listening before walking to watch the sunset and returning to Ponder House.