The mysterious man from the train turns out to be the new curate of the church.  His message that morning is about the first Christmas.  He says Jesus came as a baby during the bleakest part of the year.  This seems to catch Adela's attention.  During the message John is looking around the church when he notices a young man who seems to be watching the miserable Adela.

After the service, John and his companions walk home to their Christmas dinner.  Adela does not join them, but Percy is there.  As they eat, the Colonel tells Percy he has sent an invitation for Percy's mother to join them for a couple of weeks.  The Colonel also invites the schoolteacher and his wife, who have no children and are far from their relatives, to join them for supper.

In the afternoon, John goes upstairs to visit Adela.  He remembers that in the past she was a lively, happy person, and wants to find out what is wrong.  Adela is glad to see him, and tells him she doesn't know what has come over her.  She just woke up one morning a few months back feeling bleak, and has felt that way ever since.