Chapter 5 (section vii-ix) Summary

Shortly after Maugham runs into Sophie, he returns to his house on the Riviera only to find a note from Elliott's manservant, Joseph. The note says Elliott has fallen ill and wants to see him. Maugham finds Elliott bedridden but in good spirits. A week later, Maugham sees Elliott at a lunch party. Elliott looks awful, and a short time later his doctor orders him not to leave his room. Maugham starts to visit Elliott three or four times a week, and Elliott complains about all the parties he is missing.

The best party of the season, though, is coming up, to be staged by Edna Novemali, an American who married an Italian prince. To Elliott's dismay, he has not been invited to the party. Maugham tells Elliott he couldn't have gone anyway, but Elliott is still insulted and...