Chapter 7 Summary

Though they do not discuss their time with Robert and Caroline, something about the air of sexual oppression and barely contained violence between the couple has an unexpected effect on Colin and Mary. The couple who has been living with an invisible, but palpable barrier between them walks all the way back to their hotel hand in hand and, for the first time during their holiday, sleeps in the same bed. This sudden closeness sets off a four-day spate of almost continuous lovemaking between the two. This behavior is previously unimaginable from the dull, if comfortable, pair.

At the same time, Colin and Mary casually debate male/female politics and other sexual issues. But, whatever their discussions and activities, the two remain physically inseparable, as if afraid that any distance will rob them of their newly re-discovered bond.

One morning Mary rises before...