Summary

Mairéad returns to Lloyd’s hut to be painted. While Lloyd draws, Mairéad closes her eyes and resolves to have James tell Lloyd that she wants the background to be plain, white, and unadorned when Lloyd completes the painting. She thinks of how she is perceived on the mainland—as an island widow—and how she has yet to find a man who provides for her what Liam did. Lloyd tells Mairéad to open her eyes, and she watches him, wondering if he intends to sleep with her and thinking that all she would want from him is to be taken away from the island. Lloyd tells her she can dress, and she compliments his painting. He makes her tea and they stand outside. Mairéad says she will come again and leaves for the village.

When Mairéad arrives...