During this winter, Niel gets to know Mrs. Forrester well. The narrator again foreshadows the future, explaining that this winter will later be known as the time right before a significant change in the Forresters’ fortunes.

Niel and Judge Pommeroy play cards regularly at the Forrester home, and they often dine there as well. Niel is very attracted to the domestic comforts of the home, and he is infatuated with Mrs. Forrester’s charm. She has a talent for making people feel that she finds them interesting. When others make her laugh, it pleases them greatly and makes them feel good about themselves.

A big storm snows the Forresters in. Niel gets their mail from the post office and treks out to bring it to them. Captain Forrester greets him, saying that Mrs. Forrester is resting with a headache. Opening his conservatory, Captain Forrester shows Niel that the hyacinths are blooming. He calls them “Mrs. Forrester’s hyacinths” because he feels that they suit her.

Mrs. Forrester comes down in her dressing gown, looking pale and tired. She moves over by Niel, and he can smell that she has been drinking. She leaves to get dressed and, when she comes back downstairs, Captain Forrester asks her for tea and toast, commenting that that is what they will serve Niel.