Part 2, Chapters 15, 16 and 17 Summary

Shortly after his arrival for his weekend visit, Nicholas is taken on an extensive tour of Conchis' home. He is astonished to discover several original, and potentially very valuable, works of art, including a framed photograph of an Edwardian girl, who Conchis says was his fiancy. Conversation between the two men is at times easy and at times difficult, particularly when Conchis asks Nicholas whether he has any women in his life. Nicholas, reluctant to speak or think about Alison, asks Conchis whether he would agree to ask no questions (in the same way Conchis asked Nicholas to ask no questions). Conchis agrees, and the two men part for a while. In narration, Nicholas comments that at that moment he felt a sensation that he can't describe - other than to say it was new.

In the couple of...