CHAPTER 81

Summary

• The chapter takes place in 1950 during Planters' Week at the Tradewinds club in Gwendolyn Gardens, which is hosting the gathering for the first time.
• Digby, a founding member of the club, observes the busy scene and notes that since India's independence in 1947, most of the attendees are now Indians who are quite assimilated with the English language and culture.
• He spots a striking Indian woman in white who looks familiar, and later learns from an old friend, Franz, that she is Elsie, the daughter of an old acquaintance.
• He also learns from Franz about the tragic death of Elsie's child and her subsequent departure from her husband's house to grieve alone, which deeply affects him.
• Continuing their conversation, Digby remembers Elsie as a talented artist from their past encounters, and expresses his admiration for her work, one of which he bought at an art exhibition in Madras.
• They engage in a deeper conversation on art and its truthfulness, sparking shared laughter and camaraderie. Digby reflects on Elsie's emotional turmoil and wants to let her know that she is not alone in her sorrow.