Section 2 Summary

The introduction to the next section describes the sun higher in the sky and casting its rays across the beach and surrounding houses. The atmosphere has a slightly foreboding feel with the birds chirping but not bursting into song. From this, we can guess it is around 7 am.

The story continues with the boys leaving for boarding school. Bernard's monologue describes more an excitement than nervousness. In fact, he displays a dislike for the ceremony that precedes him leaving his house. Neville also shows his excitement and he has romantic notions of showing off his intellectual ability. Of the three Louis is the most nervous. The girls are also starting afresh at a boarding school as well, but far away from the boys. Their monologues begin with Susan who pines for home. Rhoda's nervousness is more to do with the awkwardness she feels...