Amsterdam

In late February, Clive is still struggling to create a finale for his Millennial Symphony, and he is frustrated because he finds his previous attempts unoriginal. He has delayed a planned walking trip to the Lake District for eight days because he had to fulfill previous commitments: attend a dinner, give a radio talk, and judge a composition prize at a school. He tells others he is simply taking a holiday, keeping his creative difficulties a secret.

On March 1, he finally makes it to the train station to leave on his vacation, and he is in a foul mood because of an argument he had with Vernon the previous night. This is the first time that the two have had a major disagreement, and it has upset Clive deeply. He even regrets making the euthanasia pact with him.

Clive travels by train from Euston Station to Penrith. On the platform, he steps in chewing gum. On the train, he disgustedly removes the gum from his shoe; then, he realizes he has forgotten his pen and misplaced his glasses, which fuels his growing misanthropy. He blames his foul mood on Vernon and re-evaluates their long friendship, deciding it has always been imbalanced and that Vernon lacks principle.