Mr. Toller, one of the town's bitter doctors, lets slip to Farebrother that Lydgate is struggling financially. During a New Year's Day celebration at the Vincy house, Farebrother tries to offer his support to Lydgate, who he suspects may have "been taking an opiate" (912) in recent times. He tries to approach the conversation by reminding Lydgate about the "good turn" (918) Lydgate performed on his behalf (i.e. speaking to Dorothea about inheriting the parish from her husband), but Lydgate immediately assumes that Farebrother is searching for an exchange of favors. He acts coldly toward Farebrother, who feels “wounded” (920) by the treatment.

Lydgate believes that “nothing less than a thousand pounds” (921) would ease his financial problems. Added to the financial anxiety, he knows that he is being distracted from his actual, important work by his “bitter moody state” (923). He repeatedly asks Rosamond to exercise more financial prudence but she does not seem to comprehend the seriousness of their situation. When he explains to her that they should move into a cheaper house, she says that he should ask for a loan from his uncle. They argue. After, Lydgate realizes that Rosamond “will never love [him]” (929) unless he has money.