Content Warning: The source material contains descriptions of murder and offensive terms for gay men.

Tom approaches Dickie with a stunt for fun: he has met a man who wants to pay them to travel to Paris in coffins as part of what Tom assumes is a dope-smuggling operation. Dickie halfheartedly plays along, though Tom senses his interest is feigned. When Dickie speaks with the man, Carlo, further, he angers Tom with his rudeness; Dickie is unrepentant, and they argue. Tom is upset by the realization that their “friendship” is shallow. Dickie takes him to a bar and orders a conciliatory brandy, recognizing his strange mood. Tom apologizes, but the mood is unsalvageable, and Dickie heads to Marge’s house. When Tom retrieves their mail, he receives a letter from Herbert telling him that since he has had no success in getting Dickie to come home yet, they should stop their arrangement, and he can continue on his travels. Tom is panicked at the realization that his funds are running out.

When Dickie returns, Tom gives him his mail. He asks Dickie if Marge would like to go to Paris with them, and Dickie suggests somewhere else, Genoa or San Remo.