Bento acknowledges that he provided solace to his neighbor Manduca in the past. Such a consoling discovery is significant to Bento’s evaluation of his own life, as the unintentional virtue of bringing a few months of happiness to Manduca can serve as potential redemption for some of his sins.

Bento reflects on Manduca’s burial, mourning the end of their intellectual debates. However, memories of Capitú and another unnamed person, to be revealed in the next chapter, quickly overshadow it. Bento suggests that even in the most wretched circumstances, nature introduces contrasts, offering moments of beauty amid decay.

On a Sunday, Escobar visits the Santiago household. Bento guides him through the estate, discussing various topics such as the family’s previous countryside residence, their additional city properties, and the enslaved individuals working on the estate. Throughout the visit, Escobar’s courteous demeanor makes a positive impression on Bento’s family, although Cousin Justina expresses skepticism about a reflective and inquisitive element she observes in his eyes. Despite her reservations, Escobar’s presence fosters a genuine camaraderie in his relationship with Bento, and his admiration for Bento’s mother and the surroundings adds to the positive experience.