Brás is relieved that the anonymous letter Lobo received has restored the excitement in his affair with Virgília. At the theater, he spots Damasceno and his family in a box. Noticing Damasceno’s daughter, Nhã-loló, in an elegant new dress, Brás finds her even more beautiful than before. Realizing the perilous nature of his thoughts about Nhã-loló, he opts to omit this chapter from his memoir to evade temptation.

Brás encounters Lobo at the theater, and they talk amicably during intermission. Lost in thought, he finds solace in the idea of his and Virgília’s secret house, which ensures their meetings remain discreet. He then reflects on his modest achievements, realizing the need for substantial accomplishments to earn Virgília’s affection.

Brás believes in the interconnectedness of public and private life, proposing they mutually influence one another. He suggests a correlation between Lobo’s resignation from the presidency and a potential impact on his relationship with Virgília. When Lobo reconciles with the ministry, Brás sees it as having a parallel effect on their marriage again.