Act 1 Scene 4 Summary

The next morning, Catherine sits on the porch in a robe. Hal comes out, half-dressed and asks her how long she's been awake. Their conversation is awkward after their time together the night before. When he learns that Claire is still sleeping, he advised Catherine to let her sleep because she did some heavy drinking with the theoretical physicists last night. When Hal asks to spend the day with Catherine, their awkwardness dissolves. She hands him the necklace from around her neck; it contains a key. She tells him to use the key in the bottom drawer of her father's desk. When he asks what he is looking for, she remains mysterious. He kisses her, then leaves to try out the key. She smiles to herself, elated.

Claire appears, very hung over. Catherine thanks her for the dress Claire had insisted...