Brás walks home after visiting Virgília and finds himself distracted by thoughts of her. He is so preoccupied that he does not notice walking to a hotel where he usually dines.

Returning home from the hotel, Brás discovers a letter from Virgília, revealing suspicions of their involvement spreading. She proposes ending their affair. Brás promptly visits her, urging Virgília to flee with him. When she declines, they decide to sustain their romance discreetly in a secluded house, where Virgília’s former servant will reside.

One day, Brás witnesses his formerly enslaved servant Prudêncio whipping an enslaved worker, citing negligence as the reason. Despite Brás urging forgiveness, Prudêncio remains adamant about disciplining the man. Brás finds the situation amusing, recognizing it as Prudêncio’s opportunity for revenge for the beatings he endured from Brás.