Chapter 3 Summary

After attending to a few social engagements, Clive finally leaves for his hiking trip in the Lake District. On the train journey to Penrith, Clive reflects on his friendship with Vernon. Clive subjects this friendship to particularly close scrutiny because of an argument that he had with Vernon the night before his departure. Clive concludes that the argument is symptomatic of certain lopsidedness in the friendship. Clive believes himself to be the giver and Vernon to be the taker. He also blames the argument and the lopsidedness on Vernon's lack of principle.

On the day that Clive had planned to leave for the Lake District, he receives an urgent phone call from Vernon requesting an immediate meeting with Clive. Clive postpones his travel plans in order meet with Vernon. Vernon arrives late and appears exhausted. Vernon complains that his staff is against him...