Another Country

While Ida meets with Ellis, Vivaldo goes to the bookshop where he works. After his shift, Cass invites him for a drink. Vivaldo is taken aback by her youthful appearance, reminding him of when she was “the most beautiful, the most golden girl on earth” (171). They talk about youth, which distracts Vivaldo from his jealous thoughts about Ida. Cass reluctantly talks about the problems in her marriage to Richard. Vivaldo tries to focus on Cass but his imagination strays to Ida, conjuring up thoughts of her with Ellis. Vivaldo invites Cass to supper with him; she admits that Richard is a “little jealous” (175) of Vivaldo, who has retained his artistic credibility. Vivaldo admits that he suspects that Ida is having an affair with Ellis. They discuss their various romantic failures and suspicions. When Cass goes to the restroom, Vivaldo thinks about his relationship and his arguments with Ida. When Cass returns, she confesses that she is considering an affair. Instead, she decides to see a movie so says goodbye to Vivaldo and hails a taxi.

Cass rides the taxi to the cinema, but when she arrives she cries because she remembers that she cannot stand the movies.