In which Lady Carbury returns unexpectedly to find Paul Montague with Henrietta, stirring uneasy suspicions despite innocent explanations, while the young couple's affections and intentions are cautiously unveiled amid maternal concern and societal pressures. Meanwhile, Paul confides in Roger Carbury over his tangled affairs and faces an ominous confrontation with Mrs. Hurtle, postponed only by chance, as the shadows of his entanglements lengthen.