Washington Square

Townsend does not fix a date for the wedding, though Catherine expressed her willingness to marry him without her father’s approval. She tells her father that she saw Townsend and that she believes they will marry soon. Meanwhile, she intends to continue to see him. Dr. Sloper replies that it is not now his concern how frequently or infrequently she sees him. Dr. Sloper asks if she intends to marry in the next four or five months. When she says she is unsure, he asks her to put it off for six months so he can take her to Europe. Catherine wonders if she should continue to accept her father’s protection and kindness since she plans to marry Townsend, of whom he disapproves. Dr. Sloper quickly dismisses the idea of her living elsewhere.

Catherine tells Townsend that her father wishes to take her on a six-month trip to Europe but says she will do whatever Townsend thinks best. He encourages her to go, suggesting she might even buy her wedding clothes in Paris. He says it will be hard to wait for her, but he can do it.

Catherine lets Dr. Sloper know she will take the trip with him, and