Years pass. Isabel and Archibald now have three young children: Isabel Lucy, William, and Archibald. Isabel continues to suffer from ill health, and her doctor recommends that she spend some time at the seashore in France. Isabel is saddened when Cornelia persuades her and Archibald to leave the children in England (Isabel initially wanted to take her children with her). Isabel asks Joyce to promise to take care of them no matter what.

Isabel and Archibald travel to France. After getting her safely settled, Archibald leaves and Isabel quickly becomes lonely. Almost immediately, she runs into Francis Levinson. Francis has been traveling abroad because he is running low on money, and it is no longer certain whether he will receive the inheritance he hopes for. Francis and Isabel begin spending a lot of time together, and she quickly becomes stronger and more energetic. When Archibald comes back to visit, he is very happy that his wife seems to be recovering. He also has friendly interactions with Francis and offers to help Francis solve some of his financial problems. Although Isabel asks to go home, Archibald encourages her to stay longer.