i
- Church bells ring the "Angelus," which marks the lunch hour shutdown.
- Walcott describes the absolute desolation of the town at this time.
ii
- At this time, Maud is at home taking a rest. She regards the scene outside her window and notes how much the colors on the bushes look like something from autumn—it reminds her of death.
- It is drought time and oppressively hot.
iii
- Maud watches the sea-going vessels pass her land; she notices Helen climbing up to the house to see her and immediately goes on the defensive.
- Maud remembers a moment when Helen treated her rudely, which puts her in a worse mood.
- She tells Helen that they have no work for her, but Helen is only interested in getting five dollars off Maud—Helen claims that she is pregnant.
- Maud asks about Hector and Achille, and Helen says that she's upset with both of them.
- Despite her anger, Maud fetches her purse to get money for Helen.