The Talented Mr. Ripley

That night, after Herbert returns to his hotel, Tom and Marge go to a cocktail party, though Tom does not want to. He is disgusted by the people at the party, whom he considers loud Americans. He reflects on the fact that the forgery case has been discredited, and if he had just been patient, he could have remained Dickie. He is worried about the detective that Herbert is bringing from America. Tom wants to leave the party but waits for Marge to suggest it. When they do leave, they go to Herbert’s hotel to meet him for dinner.

At dinner, Herbert tells them he is returning to Rome the following day. When they part ways, Tom feels confident in his relationship with Herbert again. At home, Tom receives a letter from his friend Bob in New York, telling him that the police were investigating tax fraud by a man named George McAlpin but have discovered nothing. Tom is relieved to have that past episode come to an end. Bob asks when he is coming home, and Tom reflects that he may never go back. Dickie’s money is giving him the freedom to acquire luxurious possessions, see and collect art, and travel.