The chapter is set in Nungambakkam, Madras in 1934 during Christmas where Claude Arnold and his wife Celeste reside.
Nungambakkam is depicted as a replica of England with its tree-lined avenues and English style garden homes.
The lead character, Digby, arrives at Arnold’s home for a Christmas party, despite being hesitant due to their strained relationship.
A party is in full swing inside the mansion which echoes a typical English styled décor complete with a Christmas tree and women in long gowns.
Digby meets Celeste, Claude's wife, who appears to be a drastically different personality from Claude being directly engaging compared to his distant demeanour.
Celeste introduces Digby to a kalighat painting, which is an Indian art form that she admires.
Digby appreciates Celeste’s appreciation for a simple and yet emotionally profound art away from the showy, expensive art normally appreciated by the affluent English society.
They engage in detailed conversation about the beauty and culture of Madras and wander to a topic about an ancient city, Mahabalipuram, where Celeste feels that Digby would enjoy given his artistic inclination.
Celeste reveals her love for Madras and calls it home despite knowing that this opinion is not fashionable granted their British background.
They spot Claude in the party, visibly drunk, leading Celeste to warn Digby not to make the same mistake she did of choosing a life partner based on image and not substance.