At the Immaculate Conception Convent, Beth sits through Sister Ignatius's religious studies class while consumed by thoughts of Gabriel. After their recent intimacy, Beth feels a new and overwhelming sexual desire, and she is fixated on the coming Saturday, when she plans to spend the whole night with him. Because Beth knows her mother would think the relationship is moving too fast, Beth has lied and said she will be staying with Helen.

After class, Sister Ignatius asks Beth to stay behind. Instead of rebuking Beth, Sister Ignatius surprises her by asking about Beth's hope of applying to Oxford to study English literature. Unlike Beth's English teacher, who hinted that Oxford was not for "girls like" Beth, Sister Ignatius says the school would be proud and offers support if Beth applies herself. The conversation briefly opens the possibility of a different future for Beth.

On the bus ride home, Beth is still absorbed in thoughts of Gabriel until Frank Johnson unexpectedly sits beside her. Beth reflects on their long friendship and remembers how it began after Frank's mother died in a farm accident; when Frank returned to school the next day, Beth silently gave him an art project she had made, and the gesture bonded them. Beth realizes with dread that Frank is about to say what she once hoped to hear.

Frank confesses that he thinks about Beth constantly and asks if he can take her out that weekend. Beth gently tells Frank that she has met someone else. Frank immediately understands he has waited too long, and, hurt and humiliated, he moves away and gets off the bus miles before his stop because he cannot bear to remain near Beth. By the end of the journey, Beth is troubled not only by Frank's pain but by the possibility that, in choosing Gabriel, Beth may have rejected the chance of something lasting and good.