Guy and Anne walk side by side through gardens in El Paso. Guy feels that their conversation about Miriam is less important than Anne's presence. Anne asks whether Guy couldn't have taken the Palmyra job, and Guy responds, "I simply loathe her" (52). Anne reprimands him and exclaims in a "distant" tone, "Sometimes I can believe you're still in love with her" (53). Anne holds his hand and Guy feels secure, contemplating the rainy day they met in New York. Her father had helped him into a year at an exclusive architecture academy, although he held such courses in contempt. Guy feels shame at his inability to equal Anne's happiness. 

The couple enjoy a day with Anne's mother, who has dispelled the handicaps Guy initially constructed for himself in their relationship. Guy evades Anne's gaze when the subject of the country club arises and contemplates glumly whether to go to Chicago or New York next. While Anne's family stay in the Ritz, he has chosen to stay in the shabby Montecarlo, which he likes, even though he is a talented architect. Guy's mother telephones to report that Miriam has had a miscarriage. Guy sends telegrams to the owner of the Palmyra asking to be reconsidered for the job, and to Miriam, informing her he will file for divorce and wishing her a quick recovery.