- Humbert describes his various neighbors on Thayer Street and assesses the risk each one presents to his cozy little set-up with Lolita. Some of them are nosy about Lolita's mother so Humbert knows he has to be watchful.
- He voices particular concern about their cook, Mrs. Holigan, who thankfully is a little out of it. He wants to make sure that Lolita doesn't befriend her too much.