Stanford has arranged a dinner at Delia Femina's for Robert. Afterward, they all go back to the house on Halsey Neck and smoke pot. At two in the morning, Robert begs off, saying he's got to plow through that pile of manuscripts in the morning. Stanford walks him to his room, which is decorated in traditional Southampton chintz. "I've always loved this room," Stanford says. "You can't get this blue chintz anymore. I hope you won't be too hot. I still think it's best to sleep without the covers in the summer. We used to do that when we were kids. Before my grandmother discovered air conditioning."
Stanford sits down in an armchair as Robert gets undressed. Robert doesn't seem to mind, and Stanford keeps up a patter of chitchat. Robert gets into bed and closes his eyes. "Tired?" Stanford says. He walks to the bed and looks down at Robert, whose eyes are closed. "Are you sleeping?"