Summary

In Chapter Five, Frances wakes the following morning to discover that her hair is impossibly mussed. Mrs. Wray suggests Frances ask Lilian for help but Frances discovers that Lilian is still distant. Over the coming days, Lilian distances herself from Frances, bringing an end to their picnics and conversations about literature. Lilian doesn't mention Netta's party again. Frances also notices that Lilian and Leonard seem to be getting along better. It all serves to make Frances even lonelier than before and she wonders if there is any point to her life at all. As she pulls herself out of the depression, she tells her mother that they have to find some new interests.

A neighbor, Mrs. Playfair, invites Frances and Mrs. Wray for dinner. They arrive to find a fourth guest, a young man named Mr. Crowther, is present. Frances and Mr. Crowther...