- Farfrae and Henchard aren't such close friends anymore, but they still do business together as always.
- One day, Farfrae asks Henchard to borrow some big cloths to use as tarps to create a tent for some outdoor entertainment on a holiday.
- Henchard immediately agrees, but then starts thinking that he should do something similar.
- He even decides to do it on the same day, and to have a much bigger, fancier affair than Farfrae's.
- He decides to have his entertainment up on a hillside, while Farfrae is setting up his pavilion in a narrow lane under some spreading trees.
- Everyone is excited about both parties, especially Henchard's since his entertainments will be free and Farfrae is charging a little bit for his.
- But on the day of the holiday, the weather is bad.
- No one comes to Henchard's party because it's too exposed out on the hill.
- Farfrae's is under a tent, so everyone goes there instead.
- Henchard is very jealous.
- He ends up taking Susan and Elizabeth-Jane down to Farfrae's tent to see what's up.
- There's music, and people are dancing.
- Henchard overhears some people talking about how much better Farfrae's party is than Henchard's.
- He's not happy.
- Elizabeth-Jane is, though – Farfrae asks her to dance!
- And then he walks her home afterwards!
- He seems almost ready to propose to her, but doesn't.
- Henchard is so angry and jealous that he says he doesn't need a manager anymore.
- Farfrae agrees to go.
- Henchard regrets it later, but Farfrae is determined to go anyway.