This chapter opens with a soliloquy by Voltaire, in which he bemoans the poor arrangements that led to the poor treatment of the beggars. He blames himself for their treatment and declares that he deserves to die. The beggars, however, are grateful to him for his kindness. The minister, the accountant, the jade buddha, the minister sun, and the jade bracelet all express their gratitude to the minister. Mr. Lin, the man who is supposed to be the savior of Madame Guinevere's life, is astonished to learn that the minister has brought a gift for the girl's birthday. He wonders what the gift is, and wonders aloud if the minister is an idiot for bringing such a ridiculous gift. He also wonders whether the minister could possibly be rude, since he might be Madame's savior