Ginny and Oliver are recent acquaintances on a shopping trip. Ginny tries on various elegant outfits, shoes, and jewelry while Oliver judges and decides each purchase. They seem to be preparing for an upcoming engagement, as Oliver checks the time between stops. During a cab ride to an apartment complex he elucidates Ginny’s role – to stand aloof as he talks with his friends, to appear unconcerned, disinclined to conversation, even bored. Ginny nods at her feet, swallowing questions which she knows will yield insubstantial answers, observing Oliver’s childlike self-consciousness looking in the mirror of the elevator they ride in to the friends’ apartment.

Upon meeting Marguerite and Herbert Crews, Ginny comports herself airily with basic courtesy. Oliver explains that the two are regrettably busy and can’t stay, not for one drink, and that weekend plans have shifted as well. Herbert inundates Ginny with details of his trip to Nairobi, describing spectacular animals and disappeared research funds, but she keeps her responses surface-level as she and Oliver inch their way out of the apartment. Ginny senses a quick, curt goodbye on its way and resolves not to feel insulted, but nevertheless flinches at Oliver’s careless thanks.