Palmer is an older painter in his fifties who finds himself in conversation with Frazier, an up-and-coming painter in New York. Palmer has made a name for himself and garnered national acclaim, while Frazier is the fresh and exciting artist. Whereas Frazier has a bright future ahead of him, Palmer's peak is behind him, which leaves him bitter and envious of Frazier. The two speak one on one while their wives converse in another room in the Palmers' grand apartment off Park Avenue. Frazier is attempting to sell a painting of his to Palmer, a painting which in his mind had essentially already sold, seeing as he'd spent the money he expected to earn off it already. Palmer, however, is limited by his pride, because although he has sold many a painting, he has never bought one, and to concede that a painting should be bought by him might damage his ego. The two converse back and forth, with Palmer ultimately saying he doesn't have the money to buy the painting. It isn't until Frazier's wife, Mimi, enters the room that Palmer takes interest in the artist. Palmer is used to a certain amiability from women in his life, and takes a liking to Mimi, who exhibits the fresh, youthful qualities that he despises in Frazier. The couple leaves the Palmers' apartment without the painting, expecting them to buy it despite Palmer's excuse. Days later, Palmer visits Mimi under the guise of wanting to see more of Frazier's work, though she sees right through it. She has an infant that annoys Frazier, and when it won't stop crying, he departs despite his continued interest in her. A few days later he offers to take Mimi out, though her initial flattery at his notice seems to have faded. She's now cold towards him, though she agrees to an outing on the Hudson with him. When she calls his apartment a few days before the trip, Palmer lets his wife answer, who then informs him that Mimi told her she wished they would buy the painting already. Despite Palmer's conflicted interests, he writes a check for $700 and drops it in the mail for them.