Chapters 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 Summary

Carol is not the only one suffering from discontent, as Kennicott longs for Carol to desire him again. Kennicott muses about the women who have insinuated their affections for him late one afternoon, when Maud Dyer, the wife of his friend Dave, enters his office. Maud's neurotic distress leads her to ask Kennicott to visit her at home that evening, because her husband will be working late. Kennicott declines the offer, not altogether sure that he will not go. Feeling guilty for entertaining Maud's offer, Kennicott is especially friendly with Carol that night. However, she rebuffs him, opting to retire early. Kennicott leaves the house on the pretense of visiting a sick patient and makes his way to the Dyer household.

Carol puts all her energy into Hugh, and mother and son take long walks every day to discover new things...