Willie sighs that no one cared about Jason. You did, Barnabas points out--but I'm sure he doesn't mean to be kind. Knowing he's been given an order, Willie promises to forget Jason--or at least never to mention him again, which almost certainly isn't the same thing.
As they talk, we see a sumptuous, pastel-colored satin period gown lying across Josette's bed. Unfortunately, we will never know what color it is, because we're still in glorious black and white.
To cheer himself up, Barnabas first thinks of giving a dinner party for the rest of the family, then decides it would be too formal. And heaven only knows how much it would tax poor Willie’s culinary abilities, especially since he probably has to prepare whatever meager meals he can manage for himself on the original wood-burning range! Fortunately the gown inspires the idea of a costume party instead.
It's very touching to see Elizabeth really smile when Roger reminds her she can go to the office in town to do the accounts whenever she likes. The reason you never left the house no longer exists, he reminds her--never guessing how right he is! And it's sweet, too, to see him in younger-brother mode, offering to take his big sister on a tour of the plant to see his improvements. They discuss the fact that Jason has left everything at Collinwood, from his expensive new clothes to his toothbrush. Roger wants to have Jason's room fumigated and gloats at the idea that his clothes will be donated to charity. After that, I don’t think anyone ever mentions Jason again. And so ends the tale of Jason McGuire and the mystery of why Elizabeth never left Collinwood for eighteen years.
Barnabas and Vicki have a highly interesting conversation about the night and why Barnabas finds it lovelier than the harsh light of day. But in his efforts to sound Vicki out, he nearly gives himself away.
Barnabas proposes the costume party, but Roger has to cajole Elizabeth into going. Again he is very protective of her. Vicki seems surprised--disturbed--at the idea of wearing Josette's gown.
