Part One, Chapter Four Summary

At Mrs. Forrester's dinner party, Niel tries to talk to Constance but finds her dissatisfied looking and difficult to talk to. Although Niel finds it less difficult to talk to Mrs. Ogden he notices that the room brightens visibly when Frank Ellinger enters. Niel knew nothing bad about this man, it is noted that he felt there was something evil about him. Niel notices that Constance eats the cherry out of Frank's drink, but leaves the one that Niel offers her untouched. Niel realizes that Constance is in love with Frank even though he is much older than she.

During dinner, Mrs. Ogden asks Mr. Forrester to tell how he found the property on which they now lived. After they are finished eating, the group plays cards. Before Niel and his uncle leave for the evening, Mrs...