Arthur finds himself engulfed in a whirlwind of social events following the success of his lecture at the Society of Biblical Archaeology. With invitations from prestigious educational societies and exclusive gentlemen’s clubs pouring in, he finds himself rubbing shoulders with high society. Dressed in their finest silk cravats and indulging in extravagant meals such as turtle soup, Arthur is initially dazzled by the opulence around him. However, despite the luxurious surroundings of gilded mirrors and champagne flutes, a deep sense of unease weighs on him. The mystery of the missing Flood Tablet from Nineveh continues to gnaw at his thoughts, making him question whether these social distractions are merely superficial, preventing him from pursuing his true purpose. The social pressures and lavish distractions seem to divert his attention, yet his mind continually drifts back to his academic ambitions and the unresolved quest that lies ahead.

During a dinner at The Boltons, Arthur is introduced to Mabel, a charming young woman from a respectable family. Their interactions appear coincidental at first, but Arthur soon senses the subtle efforts of his peers to bring them together. While Mabel is not particularly knowledgeable about his work in archaeology, she expresses a genuine interest in his research, offering Arthur an engaging simplicity and warmth that contrasts with his own shyness and reserved nature. As he navigates the expectations of love and marriage, Arthur becomes acutely aware of how societal norms value domesticity and companionship, ideals that are at odds with his obsession for the Mesopotamian tablets. This stark contrast between his personal aspirations and the conventionality of the marriage market creates a sense of internal conflict. Arthur must reconcile these differing priorities—his commitment to historical discovery and his growing attraction to Mabel—leading to moments of reflection about the direction his life should take.

Amidst these personal challenges, Arthur receives an exciting but daunting offer from the Daily Telegraph to spearhead an archaeological excavation in the land of Gilgamesh. He is filled with enthusiasm at the opportunity but is quickly reminded of the financial constraints that accompany such an ambitious project. However, Mabel’s father encourages him to propose to Mabel before he departs, suggesting that companionship could provide him with support during his travels. While Arthur appreciates the encouragement, his focus remains firmly on the excavation and the significance of the work that awaits him. Yet, as he prepares for this pivotal journey, he is struck by the urgent need to visit his mother, who has been residing in a sanatorium, struggling with her health. This brings him face-to-face with a deeply emotional reality that he cannot ignore, a challenge he must face before moving forward with his professional ambitions.

Upon arriving at the Middlesex County Lunatic Asylum, Arthur is confronted with the sad reality of his mother’s condition. She suffers from “restless melancholy,” a term that seems to only partially capture the deep suffering she endures. What was once a vibrant, full-of-life woman has now transformed into a shadow of her former self. The physical and emotional distance between them is undeniable, as Arthur’s attempts to rekindle their bond through familiar stories seem to fall flat. The realization that his mother may never recover from her condition weighs heavily on him, adding emotional complexity to his already strained existence. Despite this, Arthur is determined to make his mother proud. He resolves to push forward with his mission, vowing that his work in Nineveh will bring about a better future, not just for him, but for his family as well. As Arthur prepares to leave, he takes with him a carved guardian spirit, a symbol of his love and commitment to his mother, hoping that it will remind him to return to her when his journey is complete. As the narrative unfolds, Arthur’s personal journey, laden with loss and hope, intersects with his professional ambitions, driving him toward the uncertain future that awaits in Nineveh.