Study Guide

Tender is the Night Book Three, Chapter Twelve

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Book Three, Chapter Twelve

Dick spends his last day on the Riviera with his kids. He feels like he’s been a good father to Topsy, but he’s not sure about Lanier. He loves them both deeply.
The day of his departure, he leaves his luggage at the station and then goes to the beach for a final look.
Nicole and Baby are at the beach and they see Dick sitting on a rock. Baby starts bad mouthing him, but Nicole defends him
Soon they see him with Mary.
Mary is talking to Dick about being nice to people, but they are having a friendly conversation. Caroline shows up, too. Dick absorbs himself in Mary to keep his mind off of Tommy and Nicole, who are nearby.
When he gets up to leave, Nicole wants to go to him, but Tommy stops her.