Book Third: Chapters V - VI Summary

Susan Stringham and Milly Theale become acquainted in Boston. Milly, an New York City heiress with no family, is visiting friends in Boston; Susan is a childless widow who writes short stories for magazines in order to support herself. Shortly after her return to New York, Milly invites Susan to travel to Europe as her companion, an invitation Susan gladly accepts, concluding that, somehow, her purpose is to direct Milly's life. It is while Susan and Milly are in Europe that there is a hint that perhaps Milly is not well; she had been ill for several days prior to their departure and decides that the Swiss Alps will be a healthier environment. After some time there, however, Milly abruptly decides that London must be the next stop, as she would now prefer...