Chloe and Mr. Stink take the bus home. They joyfully recall turning down the prime minister’s insincere offer. When Chloe notices a name on Mr. Stink’s handkerchief, she asks if he is Lord Darlington. Though he denies it at first, he eventually admits that he is, though he prefers to be known as a “vagabond” or wanderer.

Mr. Stink explains that he had lived a comfortable life as a lord, sharing his huge home and nice belongings with his beloved wife, Violet. One night, Mr. Stink went into the city to see his friends, and when he returned home, his house was on fire. Tragically, Violet did not survive. Mr. Stink felt responsible for Violet’s death because he was not there to take care of her. While he tried to live in the remains of the house, he was too grief-stricken, and one day, he decided to simply walk away. Chloe is shocked and saddened to hear of Mr. Stink’s suffering, assuring him that it isn’t his fault. As they head home, Chloe decides that she doesn’t want to live in her house, either, and begs Mr. Stink to let her be a wanderer with him.