Edna reveals that it is her twenty-ninth birthday. Everyone admires the diamonds sent from Mr. Pontellier. Edna wears them in her hair.
Edna and her guests chatter quite happily, but as the evening progresses, Edna feels a sense of dread and depression coming over her.
Towards the end of the evening, after many of the guests have left, Victor (Robert’s nineteen-year-old brother) begins singing that song that Robert used to sing: "If only you knew what your eyes say to me."
Edna begs him to stop singing and presses her hand over his mouth.
Victor kisses her hand, and promises to stop.
Mrs. Highcamp suggests that Victor should meet her daughter, and presently all the guests take their leave.
Edna is left alone with Arobin in the quiet night.