Kathy and Tommy travel to Madame’s address. They carry examples of Tommy’s art to the house but spot Madame on the street before they arrive at her door. They follow her until she arrives at her front door. Kathy politely calls out from the gate, and she receives a stern, cold stare from Madame. Then the woman’s expression softens. Tommy and Kathy explain themselves, and eventually Madame invites them inside.

Madame shows her guests to a living room and then disappears. Tommy spots a framed picture of Hailsham. They hear distant voices in the house. When Madame reappears, they hear a “gruff male voice” telling her to do as he told her (148). A pair of sliding doors in the living room open to reveal Madame and the darkness beyond. Madame asks them about their names and when they were at Hailsham. Kathy cannot help but think that Madame treats them with a cold detachment.

Kathy explains the purpose of their visit. She explains their hope for a deferral and acknowledges that Madame must be tired of all the people visiting her asking for the same thing. Madame asks them how they can be sure that they are in love.