The narrator walks home musing about Rodney and the misconception of people's characters, as triggered by Mr. Preston's 'frogs and princes' comment.
They contemplate when to contact Rodney after their date, comparing this potential interaction to previous textual communication with Wilbur.
Upon arriving at their building, the narrator encounters Giselle, who is visibly upset and requests to come inside the narrator's apartment.
The narrator and Giselle enter the building, disgusted by the unkempt common areas.
As they move up to the narrator’s apartment, the landlord, Mr. Rosso, confrontationally asks about overdue rent.
Once inside the apartment, Giselle, emotionally impacted by the environment, begins to sob while holding a needlepoint pillow.
The narrator is unsure why Giselle is there and crying but offers comfort and tries to extend condolences for Mr. Black’s death, which seems to be the wrong approach.
Giselle is not sorry for Mr. Black's death, indicating her emotional distance or relief.
Giselle observes the apartment interior, which makes the narrator self-conscious about its modest state but reminds them of Giselle's true origin from Detroit.
The narrator makes tea, trying to emulate their grandmother’s hospitable nature, while Giselle looks at family photos and discusses personal history.
Giselle reveals a troubled relationship with her deceased husband, including a loveless marriage and abuse.
Giselle recounts a big fight she had with Mr. Black right before his death, detailing his accusatory behavior and the moment he stormed out of their room.
The narrator remembers their own interaction with Mr. Black just after that fight and Giselle’s odd behavior.
Giselle admits to taking medication, possibly to cope with stress, while discussing her unpredictable future and the implications of Mr. Black’s will.
Giselle asks the narrator to be her maid at the hotel and offers an unexpectedly large tip for the narrator's discretion and company.
Giselle proceeds to request a peculiar favor from the narrator: to retrieve a hidden gun in the suite for her protection, which causes the narrator anxiety.
Giselle departs after a heartfelt goodbye, but not before the narrator questions how Giselle found their address, to which she gives a vague response.