Part 1, Chapter 3 Summary

John Dowell the narrator remembers the Nauheim spa well but remembers almost nothing about Florence's dresses, save one—a blue silk gown with a Chinese pattern. He remembers this dress because she was wearing it when she looked at him over her shoulder as she entered the bath without him. The look is coquettish and mocking, and John is not sure what Florence intends by it because that is the only moment in their entire relationship in which she looks at him invitingly.

Later that day, the Dowells meet the Ashburnhams for the first time. The Dowells are seated for dinner, and the waiter brings the Ashburnhams to a nearby table. Captain Edward Ashburnham is an English landowner who has been serving in the military in India. He is considered by all who meet him to be a good soldier...