Linda realizes that Christian is in love with Lavender Davis, a serious and capable welfare worker. Though her pride is wounded, Linda does not feel heartbroken. One afternoon in Perpignan, she sees Christian and Lavender walking together, looking perfectly happy and absorbed in each other. On an impulse, she packs her bags, writes a letter to Christian saying their marriage has failed and asking him to look after Matt. She commits to her decision to leave Christian by adding a postscript, telling him he would be better off marrying Lavender. She takes the night train to Paris.

On the journey, Linda regrets her hasty decision. She reflects on how she has thrown away the past two years and worries she is destined for the life of a “bolter.” When she arrives at the Gare du Nord in Paris, she discovers her return ticket to London has expired. With only a few shillings, no contacts in the city, and overwhelmed by exhaustion and despair, she sits on her suitcase and cries. A stocky, dark-haired Frenchman in a Homburg hat approaches her. Amused by her situation, he offers to help, securing her a room at the Hotel Montalembert and promising to take her to lunch.