Martin becomes popular after purchasing property in Eden. Kettle invites him to give a lecture on the Tower of London, which Martin declines. He gets a letter from a Putnam Smif asking for Martin to pay his way to England so that he can be educated there, or else suggest others who would be willing to.
His landlord Captain Kedgick suggests he hold a party so people can meet him. Martin says he can’t, but the landlord says he must. The captain has put up a sign in the bar saying that Martin will receive the Watertoasters today. When Martin asks about this sudden interest in him, the landlord merely winks.
Crowds of people come to meet Martin. Journalists want to do a story on him—and pay much attention to his clothes, teeth, and hair. People ask him the same questions. He gets messages threatening public denouncement if he doesn’t answer. All Martin wants to do is go into his bedroom and hide under the covers.
However, when Martin manages to escape, two gentlemen and a lady barge into his room. One of the gentlemen introduces the lady as Mrs. Hominy, the wife of Major Hominy—who is one of the aristocratic families. Mrs. Hominy is a writer. The major would be grateful if Martin entertained his wife. The two gentlemen leave, and Mrs. Hominy stays. Martin is wondering if he is dreaming.
Mrs. Hominy asks where he is from. He says Kent. She asks how he likes their country. He says pretty well. Mrs. Hominy comments that the British are often surprised by what they see in America. Martin doesn’t doubt it. Mrs. Hominy then talks and talks about her observations and philosophies. She doesn’t notice when Martin falls asleep on her. He manages to get away from her at supper.
The next morning, though, she is at his side again—still talking away with no need for him to contribute to the conversation. She stays with him through another reception the landlord has for him. Martin starts thinking about hitting her over the head for the sake of peace.
Mark spends most of their money buying provisions and transporting them on a steamboat. Mark asks Captain Kedgick why the people are so excited to meet Martin. The captain says that Martin isn’t like the other immigrants—and nobody has ever came back alive from Eden.