the narrative returns to the snail, still trying to reach its goal. after making a decision on its progress, it moves off as a young couple approaches the flowerbed. the young man remarks that on friday admission to the gardens is sixpence, to which she asks if it is not worth sixpence. he asks what "it" means. she replies "anything." as they stand at the end of the flowerbed, they both press the young woman's parasol into the soil. his hand rests on top of hers. this action expresses their feelings for each other, as do their insignificant words. the narrator states that these are words with "short wings for their heavy body of meaning." their feelings are evident to the two of them as well as others. the young man speaks to the young woman, trissie, telling her they should have their tea now. she asks where they have tea in the garden. as she looks over a long grass path, she quickly forgets about the tea and wants to explore the gardens.