Chapter 19

Babbitt makes a profit of $3000 in the Street Traction company deal involving land options. In the office, he gets complaints about Stanley Graff from a customer and decides to fire the salesman. Babbitt tries once again to lecture Graff on politics and morality, but the salesman screams that Babbitt is a cheat and he does not want to listen to his lies about morality. Babbitt is flustered by the argument and the accusations against himself, so he drops the subject.

Shortly afterward, Babbitt leaves on a work-related trip for Chicago. He takes Ted along with him. Both father and son enjoy themselves as friends. Later, Babbitt makes the acquaintance of the English industrialist, Sir Gerald Doak. Sharing his views with Doak, he establishes a rapport with him. The next evening, when he goes out to a restaurant, he finds his best friend Paul Riesling having dinner with a strange lady. They make plans to meet and talk.

Spending time alone with Ted in Chicago gives Babbitt the opportunity to understand his son. The week's holiday brings the father and son nearer and establishes a strong bond between them. Like two friends, they share their views and involve themselves in common interests. Hence, Babbitt succeeds in achieving in Chicago what he had failed to do in Zenith.

Babbitt makes a friendship with the reputed industrialist Sir Gerald Doak in Chicago. During the course of their conversation, he finds out that they share many common ideas and interests. Babbitt is also delighted to know that Doak is a simple man despite his wealth, and is very interested in pursuing the friendship.

Babbitt also encounters a shock in Chicago. As he walks into a restaurant, he finds Paul with another woman. Babbitt is surprised and shocked that he was not told of Paul's affair before.

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