Mr. Bloomfield has finished his peculiar story.  The group shifts and ponders in respectful silence.  Percy's mother recommences her knitting.  John watches Adela's face, knowing she is not accustomed to thinking about such peculiar stories.  He thinks she looks puzzled.

Ok I know this is all very strange, but what happens next is that Adela gets up and goes thoughtfully to the piano.  She sits down and begins to sing a thoughtful song, the only thoughtful one she knows, the only one she can think of that has anything in common with the mood of the story.  She is followed by the doctor, who sings something more happy and simple.  Finally, the clergyman sings about something good and true.  

John is relieved at the transition from the dream-filled story back to more familiar ground.  Though he values the story, he doesn't like to linger over it, knowing that Mr. Bloomfield would not like the group to discuss his story.  

John worries the group may be frightened away if there are too many serious stories.  So he volunteers to bring the next story, and to make it light-hearted.  The group says goodnight to Adela and promises to return the following Monday.