He assumes she is as busy as he is, due to the prolongued silence. Asks for news of Jack's doings. He is glad to have heard that
Sally and Innes are so happy. He broods on the fragility of family life, this is as the only daughter of worthy friend of his has eloped with a footman, "she is lost". He is to set out to Whitton in a new vert de crapeau coat.