The nomadic troupe led by Ursus, including Gwynplaine, the blind girl Dea, and the wolf Homo, has successfully arrived in London and established their performance in the bustling Southwark district at the Tadcaster Inn.
Ursus, having long cultivated Gwynplaine’s identity as "The Laughing Man," secures a prime location in the inn's central courtyard, which functions as a makeshift theater. The Green-Box, their mobile home and stage, fits perfectly against the courtyard wall, while the inn's wooden balconies provide an ideal viewing space for the public. Ursus expects interest from the local gentry, even reserving a special box for potential noble spectators, though it remains empty as the initial influx of business comes from the common people of the Tarrinzeau-field fairground.
Gwynplaine’s fame rapidly transcends his status as a mere carnival curiosity. His bizarre, permanent grin and the tragic mystery surrounding his abandonment at Portland—which Ursus publicizes through a placard—captivate the London masses. The spectacle "Chaos Conquered," performed within the Green-Box, eclipses all other attractions in the area, including circuses and exotic animal displays. Gwynplaine’s popularity is so overwhelming that he effectively monopolizes the audience, drawing throngs of spectators who are deeply disturbed yet mesmerized by his appearance.
Despite their professional success, the group maintains a secluded life. After each boisterous show, they retreat into the privacy of the Green-Box, which serves as a sanctuary for their innocence, devotion, and love. Within this space, Gwynplaine and Dea exist in a world apart, characterized by a profound, ethereal bond that defies the ugliness of Gwynplaine’s mask. Ursus continues his role as a philosopher, mentor, and manager, delivering erratic, eccentric lectures to the public while tending to his "family." He remains a cynical, scholarly figure, constantly correcting popular misconceptions and superstitious errors while managing the logistics of their growing fortune.
The transition to London marks a new chapter in their lives. The group navigates the crowded, chaotic environment of early 18th-century Southwark, where the proximity to the Thames and the constant movement of sailors and merchants create a vibrant, albeit harsh, backdrop. One evening, a sailor stops outside the inn to listen to one of Ursus’s long, rambling philosophical orations. Impressed by the troupe’s strange and captivating presence, he pays for entry, joining the crowd to witness the performance. As the group settles into their new urban setting, their success continues to grow, though the limitations of their fame remain localized for the time being. The narrative sets the stage for future complications, as the profound, insular love between Gwynplaine and Dea encounters the realities of a larger, more complex society that remains largely unaware of the emotional depth hidden behind the famous, terrifying mask.