Summary

The party decides to drive to a small museum north of their house. Sylvia and Franny ride with Joan, who suggested the outing. Jim, Charles, and Lawrence follow in the second car. From the backseat, Sylvia’s mind wanders to her high school friends. Two of them used to be her best friends; but then, she made out with one, and he turned around and made out with the other.

At the museum, the party putters around, marginally interested in what is on offer. Joan and Sylvia stay behind while the adults wander through the house.

Jim has flashes of memory of Madison Vance, the editorial assistant, how she had instigated the affair, and how easily he had assented. He regrets the affair, but at the same time, recalls the newness of being with a different person after so many years.

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