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The party continues with a piano performance by Mary Jane but Gabriel is unable to focus on Mary Jane’s playing because he starts to think about his mother who died before the events of the story take place. More dancing follows, which finds Gabriel paired up with Molly Ivors, a fellow university instructor. A fervent supporter of Irish culture, Molly embarrasses Gabriel by labeling him a “West Briton” for writing literary reviews for The Daily Express, a conservative newspaper. Gabriel dismisses the accusation, but Molly pushes the point by inviting Gabriel to visit the Aran Isles, where Irish is spoken, during the summer. When Gabriel declines, explaining that he has arranged a cycling trip on the continent, Molly corners him about his lack of interest in his own country. She is particularly upset when Gabriel states that Irish is not his language when he declines her invitation to visit the Aran islands. Gabriel exclaims that he is sick of Ireland and the two finish their dance. Molly departs from the dance floor but before she leaves she whispers “West Briton” in his ear one final time, much to Gabriel’s discomfort.
After the dance, a rattled Gabriel flees to a corner of the room. He engages in a few more conversations in an unsuccessful attempt to forget the interlude with Molly beginning with Mrs. Mailins, Freddy’s mother, who tells Gabriel about her daughter’s life in Glasgow. Gabriel and Mrs. Mailins are interrupted by Gretta, who tells Gabriel that he is expected to carve the goose for dinner. When Gretta asks Gabriel what happened between him and Molly, he tells Gretta that she wants him to travel to the west of Ireland this summer. Gretta enthusiastically agrees and says that she would love to see Galway again. Gabriel is irritated by Gretta’s response and sourly tells her that she should go in his place. Just before dinner, Julia sings a song for the guests and everyone is impressed with her voice. Molly makes her exit to the surprise of Mary Jane and Gretta, and to the secret relief of Gabriel.
Finally, dinner is ready and Gabriel assumes his place at the head of the table to carve the goose. After much fussing, everyone eats, and Gabriel delivers his speech in which he praises Kate, Julia, and Mary Jane for their hospitality. Framing this quality as an Irish strength, Gabriel laments the present age in which such hospitality is undervalued. Nevertheless, he insists, people must not linger on the past and the dead, but live and rejoice in the present with the living. He also compliments their musical abilities and refers to them as the Three Graces of the Dublin musical world which move all three women to the point of tears. The table breaks into loud applause and the entire party toasts their three hostesses.
