# Chapter XIII explained — The Professor’s House > Chapter companion for The Professor’s House by Willa Cather. ## What happens Professor St. Peter visits Dr. Crane in his laboratory to discuss Mrs. Crane's earlier visit and Crane's potential claim on Tom Outland's patent profits. Crane admits he never had a formal agreement with Outland but feels entitled to compensation for his help. St. Peter advises him to seek a competent lawyer, warning against Homer Bright. After the tense conversation, St. Peter walks through the park, feeling depressed and disillusioned by Crane's sudden interest in money. ## Themes in this chapter ### Materialism and Commercialism Dr. Crane's sudden interest in the financial rewards of Outland's patent highlights the corrupting influence of money. ### Idealized Friendship and Hero Worship St. Peter's disappointment in Crane reflects his idealization of the past and the purity of scholarly collaboration. ## Character check-ins ### Professor St. Peter Visits Dr. Crane to discuss the patent dispute, feeling depressed and disillusioned afterward. ### Dr. Crane Defends his claim to Outland's patent profits, admitting his interest is now financial. ### Tom Outland Mentioned as the originator of the gas idea and the brilliant pupil who benefited from Crane's help. ### Louie Marsellus Referenced as the one who profits from the patent and who might be approached for compensation. ### Homer Bright Mentioned as the lawyer Crane's brother-in-law advises, whom St. Peter considers incompetent. ## Key lines > My fortunes have corrupted honest men. The success of Outland's invention has turned even honest people like Crane into money-seekers. _St. Peter reflects on how the patent's financial success has changed Crane's integrity._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_professor_s_house_se/chapters/xiii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_professor_s_house_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_professor_s_house_se/chapters