It is a windy Spring evening. Mr. Walton is on his way to Oldcastle Hall to visit Mr. Stoddart. He sees Ethelwyn Oldcastle out walking against the wind, and tries to persuade her to return to the Hall. She is startled to see him and does not want to go inside.

He comes to the Hall and the door is opened by Sarah, Mrs. Oldcastle's frightening white-faced servant. She looks to see if Ethelwyn has returned with Mr. Walton.

Mr. Walton is concerned for Ethelwyn, and tries to convince Mr. Stoddart to do something to help her, but Mr. Stoddart is unmoved.

Mr. Walton leaves the Hall in frustration. The sun has gone down and it is dark outside. Walking to the gate through an avenue of trees, he is surprised by Ethelwyn, who is still out. She apologizes for being rude to him earlier. She is not yet ready to go inside.

Mr. Walton thinks he sees Sarah's white face in the bushes, so he says goodnight to Ethelwyn and goes home.