Book 2: Chapter 1 Summary

Lawrence Selden is in Monte Carlo on a week's vacation from his work in Paris. He is enjoying his time there, and likes the carnival-like atmosphere of both the people and the place. One day while there, he meets Carry Fischer, the Welly Brys, the Van Osburghs, and others from the New York City social circle. They are engaged in a debate about where to eat lunch, and when they finally decide, they invite Selden to dine with them. There Carry Fischer updates him on Lily's enormous social successes in Europe. Selden has thrown himself into work for the past three months to forget the pain she caused him the night he saw her with Gus Trenor. News of Lily's well being forces him to realize that he has not forgotten his feelings for her.

After lunch, the crowd disperses, and...