In which Elizabeth, burdened with unease, warns Farfrae of Henchard’s potential ill-will, and though the young man remains kindly disposed, murmurs of rivalry and suspicion begin to cast shadows upon their acquaintance. Meanwhile, Farfrae, newly appointed Mayor, contemplates change and the weight of fate, whilst Henchard’s grim humour and a bundle of forgotten letters stir reflections on loves and losses past.