The End of the Affair

The End of the Affair Summary | Book 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Maurice Bendrix, a writer living in London shortly after World War II, meets Henry Miles out on a wet miserable evening. Bendrix and Henry talk for a bit and, though Bendrix does not like Henry or his wife, he agrees to have a drink with him. They go to a local pub and, as they sit there, Bendrix remember his affair with Henry's wife Sarah. He had originally started talking to her because he was writing a novel about a civil servant and he wanted to ask Sarah Questions about Henry. However, as they spent more and more time together, they began to have an affair and Bendrix fell in love with her.

As Bendrix and Henry sit quietly over their rum, Henry says that he is worried about Sarah, but he cannot talk about his concerns in the pub. Therefore, Henry brings Bendrix back to his home.

Once they walk to Henry's house, they go to Henry's study and Henry shows Bendrix a letter that recommends a private investigator for Henry to call. Henry is not convinced that Sarah has been cheating on him, but he still feels a desire to meet the investigator. However, he would rather avoid meeting the investigator.

Once he hears Henry's concerns, Bendrix offers to go in his place. However, Henry was only looking for reassurance that his worries were unfounded but, since Bendrix himself had an affair with Sarah, he offers none.

As they discuss the matter, Sarah returns home. Once she sees Bendrix, they greet each other uncomfortably but with an outward casualness, as though they are old friends who have not seen each other in a long time.