Chapter 5 (sections i-ii) Summary

In spring, Maugham, Isabel, Gray and Larry regularly go out together, visiting parts of the French countryside as Maugham admits to dawdling over his work. Gray's health improves, and he no longer suffers from headaches. On the way back from one of these trips, Gray and Larry are in the front of the car, and Larry drapes his arm across the top of the driver's seat. Maugham looks over at Isabel and notices that she is motionless and staring at Larry's hand and wrist. She has a strange look about her. Her breathing is heavy, and she wears a "mask of lust." Isabel suddenly snaps out of it and, in a strange voice, asks for a cigarette. When the car arrives back in Paris, Maugham observes Isabel latch onto Gray's arm and imagines an amorous night, although Maugham believes...