It is December the 24th. Rosamund has to work in the British Museum the whole afternoon. She is working on her doctoral thesis. On her way home she buys a Christmas present for Mrs Jennings, who looks after the baby while Rosamund is working.

Back home Mrs Jennings tells Rosamund that Octavia has got a slight snuffle and is teething. Rosamund is very concerned and after having said good-bye to Mrs Jennings she is about to go to the chemist's in order to get some medicine for Octavia.

Nevertheless, Rosamund hesitates for some time and continues her work as she thinks it is important to have someone looking after the baby. But hearing Octavia cough again, she decides to ask the couple living in the flat beneath her for help.

The couple, an opera singer and his mistress, offer their help, so Rosamund can go to the chemist's.

At the chemist's, waiting to be helped, Rosamund sits on a bench when suddenly George appears in front of her. First, Rosamund pretends that the medicine was for her, but finally George is informed about her baby.

Rosamund suggests to have a look at the baby together. At home, Rosamund, who is quite glad about seeing George again, starts a conversation about their job perspectives and Rosamund tells George about her current situation concerning the baby.