In this chapter, we learn that the narrator and his wife are an ideal couple. The narrator tells the couple that he has learned a great deal from them and that they are very happy. He tells them that he is taking a leave of absence and that he wants to go away for a few days. He asks the men if they would like to go for a walk, but they refuse, saying that they have too much time on their hands. He then tells the men that he noticed that the man's neck was covered with a hickey and that his wife would not allow him to go out without her reminding him.