That evening, Egilson sends supper to Emily’s cottage through Finn, including buns, iceberries, and a local substitute for bread pudding. Wendell Bambleby immediately turns the meal into a social occasion, charming Finn so thoroughly that Finn stays to dine with them. Emily, who dislikes unnecessary conversation, is grateful that Wendell absorbs the company’s attention and even leaves the cleanup to the others, allowing her to withdraw unnoticed.

The next morning, Finn brings an elaborate breakfast and is disappointed to find Wendell still asleep. Emily warns Finn that Wendell is extremely particular about breakfast, especially coffee, and Finn scrambles to meet the demand. Lizzie and Henry have little to do, so Emily sends them out to chop wood, a practical decision that also reflects her irritation at having so many people in the cottage.

Wendell emerges late, dressed extravagantly and unwilling to discuss anything serious before eating. As they breakfast, Emily reflects on how Wendell previously forced her into the habit of taking breakfast at Cambridge, a habit she still finds excessive even if it has improved her health. Once Wendell has eaten, Emily tries to begin the day’s work in earnest, but Wendell casually announces that he would rather visit the hot spring first.

Emily then states her research design plainly. She explains that she wants to use naturalistic observation in the wilderness, consult her map of suspected faerie sites, gather ethnographic accounts from villagers about the courtly fae, revisit Auður Hildsdottir, and investigate a house that may contain a brownie. Emily identifies her two main goals as determining what species of Folk live in the area and describing how they interact with humans.

Wendell reveals that he has already read Emily’s notes and questions the value of speaking to Auður, since Auður is mute. He dismisses the suspected house spirit as a likely wight, then suggests dividing their work instead of following Emily’s structure too rigidly. Even so, he says he approves of Emily’s plan, and when Emily presses the issue of credit, he calmly agrees that her name should come first on the conference paper. The exchange defines their uneasy collaboration: Emily secures recognition and some authority, but Wendell immediately reasserts his independence by strolling out in his dressing gown despite her protests.