At school John is cornered by classmates who insist he stay after class for a joint birthday party for Eve — their birthdays share the same day and Eve doesn’t know — and warn that his behavior will decide whether he can make her happy. Mr. Lloyd then summons John and shows his rank dropped six places. John plans to get tutoring from top student Joyce. Lloyd grudgingly accepts but dismisses John’s warning about his smoking. After sending John back, Lloyd finds his cigarettes missing: an immediate, unresolved problem.