Roland, Cuthbert and Alain sit at the head table in uncomfortable silence with the women their fathers chose for them. Aileen Ritter sits with Roland and he asks her eventually to dance. They dance and talk of his exploits in Hambry, Aileen learning about Susan Delgado's death. They leave the feast for some fresh air. Kingson and Cort begin the Riddler's challenge with Abel Vannay. Kingson wins the riddler's competition; Abel wonders why he can't remember writing the riddles he reads out.