Part 2, Chapter 2 Summary

John the narrator says that Edward Ashburnham probably tired of Florence within three years. Florence is an insecure lover who sends telegrams to Edward in England whenever she hears that a woman might be staying there, and who demands immediate physical attention whenever the mood strikes her. Florence wants to tell John all about her affair, in order to secure a divorce and settle in California with Edward, but Leonora Ashburnham stops her.

On the night of August 4, 1913, Leonora goes to bed after sending Florence after Edward and Nancy Rufford, who have gone to a concert. John is sitting with a man named Bagshawe in the lounge, to whom he takes a dislike. The two men spot Florence running back to the spa. Florence sees the men and runs to her bedroom. Bagshawe laughs and tells John he recognizes her from...