The Rise of David Levinsky

David continues to lament his loss to the Western firm. Mrs. Chaikin also continues to harass him about the loss. He decides to talk to Meyer Nodelman about business and a possible loan. He confesses the whole situation, from poaching a tailor to the Gentile loan and the Western firm. Nodelman tells David he is brave and that the business could work but that he will not loan David the money. He tells David he will think about how he can help and sends him on his way.

The next day, Nodelman agrees to loan David enough money to pay the Gentile but not all that he will need. He tells David he will have to work for the rest of the money. David feels encouraged after his chat with Nodelman and puts on a new suit to go ask Maximum Max for the loan. Max comments on how prosperous he must be in his new suit. Max brings David to his home to meet and discuss business. David meets Max’s wife, Dora, and his two children. Dora and Lucy, her daughter, display their spelling skills. David has no mind for it as he anxiously waits for Max to talk business with him.