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The two men resume discussing their plan while they continue to walk. Lenehan walks ahead quickly as they pass Trinity College so that he can look at the large clock. He tells Corley that it is twenty after and expresses his concern that the maid will not turn up on time. However, Corley is not concerned, claiming that he always lets his dates wait a little bit before he actually meets them. Lenehan then expresses his concern that the maid will not be able to complete the job. Corley seems slightly irritated by his friend's skepticism, but he assures Lenehan that he knows what he is doing and that the plan will definitely work. Lenehan acquiesces because he does not wish to anger his friend. Corley, on the other hand, appears to be thinking about his upcoming date and has stopped paying attention, murmuring the phrase “She’s a fine decent tart…that’s what she is” as they walk.
The scheming pair walks along Nassau Street and then turns into Kildare Street. As they make their way through central Dublin, they pass a harpist playing “Silent, O Moyle,” which is a mournful song about Irish legends. The men observe as the harpist plays before a small crowd and note that the musician looks weary and that his instrument does as well. Lenehan and Corley take in the harpist for a moment before continuing down the street so that Corley can meet the maid on time.
The two men finally approach the appointed corner where the maid is waiting. She is described as being an attractive, young, ruddy-cheeked woman. She is wearing a blue dress with red flowers pinned to it, a sailor hat, and a tattered boa. Lenehan, impressed with Corley’s taste, leers and asks if he can have a look at her. Corley is disgruntled by his friend’s comment, suspecting Lenehan of trying to squeeze him out of the plan. However, Lenehan quickly assures Corley that he does not want an introduction and that he simply wants to look at her. Corley is appeased and as he leaves Lenehan to greet his date, he promises to walk past Lenehan again so that Lenehan can get a good look at the maid. Before Lenehan and Corley separate for the evening, they agree to meet later that night at a corner by the maid’s house. Lenehan watches as Corley and the maid walk off and he takes another intense look before positioning himself so he can watch the couple pass one more time.
