Frank sends a telegram expressing that he misses Mamah, but she remains in Nancy to work on her translations. When she tries to go to Paris, there is a flood, canceling all trains there. This flooding continues for five days, and Mamah’s time alone makes her think about how everyone involved in her and Frank’s lives will one day be happy. When Mamah finally travels to Paris, she thinks about how short life is and that she does not wish to live dishonestly.

Mamah finds Frank safe in Paris but does not tell him about her Swedish class in Leipzig. He explains that they can go to Florence in the next few days and that they’ll be joined by a few assistants. At their hotel, he gives Mamah a letter from Ed that was forwarded to him: Mamah and Ed’s family has been bombarded by reporters, and his mother is now living with them to help. Mamah finally tells Frank about Leipzig, and he is upset that she is leaving. She says translating is important to her, but Frank feels like she is running away because of everything at home. She says she needs to attend the class and that she can meet him in Italy in June.