Lieutenant William Treanor is on a train on his way to visit Elly, the younger sister of his girlfriend Mary, who he has been dating for some time now and who is also serving in the military. Though he is nervous at first about the encounter, not knowing what to expect, he is pleasantly surprised when he sees Elly. Elly is the spitting image of her sister, and Treanor observes that she is more or less beautiful in a few different ways. Entranced by her appearance, Treanor offers to get drinks with her at the station, taking the opportunity to examine how she is alike and different from Mary in closer detail. Treanor gets a hotel near Elly's apartment and tells her to choose a fancy place for dinner. The two go from the hotel to Elly's apartment, encountering her roommate, Marnie, and the serviceman that she is entertaining. Light conversation takes place as Elly gets ready, and then she and Treanor head for the restaurant. They encounter more people and exchange more superficial conversation. A man named James finds Elly and grabs her attention by kissing her neck, though after their short exchange, he returns to another woman at his table. Still, Treanor is put off by the exchange. On the way back, Elly tells Treanor they should go to his hotel, since Marnie will be occupying her place. Treanor refuses, though he is tempted, and Elly is aware that it is likely both because of Mary and James. Elly pities herself, pities him, pities everyone, and goes home.