Day 3, Morning Summary

Stevens experiences fitful sleep at the inn where he spends the night. In the morning, he explores the town of Taunton, Somerset, and sees the sign for the Giffen silver polish company as he sits in a tearoom for a midmorning break. Stevens remembers that Giffen had been the premiere choice for polishing silver back in the days when that activity was practiced with more discipline. In those days, the state of sheen on silver was an important indicator of the household's greatness.

Stevens remembers an occasion when a visiting German ambassador, filled with apprehension over an upcoming dinner, experienced a marked change in demeanor upon seeing the excellence of the silver. Recalling the great attention surrounding the ambassador's visit, Stevens notes that the people who wanted to be dinner guests alongside him are the same people who have the audacity...