Hugh lies on the porch engrossed in self-examination. He reflects that he is twenty-nine and is alarmed at how fast life passes. He feels that he has been a failure and that his past has been "largely negative, selfish, absurd, and dishonest." He questions his motives in planning, at this late point in the war, to help the Loyalists in Spain. Listening to the news on the radio, Hugh feels a deep cynicism regarding the state of the world.

He slips into a long and detailed recollection of his youthful effort to succeed as a guitarist and songwriter. Convinced that some publicity, "something sensational," was needed to make his songs known and make him a success, Hugh signed on a merchant ship, the S.S. Philoctetes, and notified the press. It leapt at the opportunity for an unusual story. However, Hugh was humiliated by the stories generated by his publicity stunt.

Once at sea, Hugh's romantic illusions of a sailor's life were quickly dispelled. Conditions were both better and worse than he had imagined, and the crew saw him as a representative of the upper class. When he eventually returned to England, he learned that his songs had never been released.Hugh is embarrassed and ashamed by his memories, but his long reverie is interrupted by the Consul's call for help.

Hugh assists his brother shave and prepare for the trip to Tomalín. The Consul has a bad case of the shakes and after getting sick from drinking bay rum, Hugh produces a bottle of whiskey.

As they walk into town, Hugh watches Yvonne with admiration and longing.

Jacques Laruelle suddenly appears and the Consul introduces him to Hugh. When Laruelle takes Yvonne's arm, Hugh is "half hurt" to see them walking together.

They meet the mailman who empties his bag on the street in an unsuccessful search for a letter for the Consul. He leaves "disappointedly," then returns happily with the letter. It is a card from Yvonne that had been mailed just after their separation more than a year earlier. The Consul hands it to Hugh and tells him to read it: "Darling, why did I leave? Why did you let me? Expect to arrive in the U.S. tomorrow, California two days later. Hope to find a word from you there waiting. Love. Y."