That winter in Rome, Winterborne speculates to his aunt about the propriety of calling on the Millers. After what happened in Switzerland, Mrs. Costello can't understand why he would want to keep up the acquaintance. Furthermore, Daisy Miller has been compromising herself by "picking up half a dozen . . . regular fortunehunters." Daisy's mother apparently isn't concerned. In general, Mrs. Costello thinks that the Millers are "very dreadful people." Winterborne adds that they are ignorant but also very innocent. "Depend upon it they are not bad." Mrs. Costello still maintains they are hopelessly vulgar and should be avoided.
Winterborne is a little amazed that Daisy Miller has picked up so many acquaintances because he had hoped that he had made an impression on her. The next day he calls on an old friend and during his visit the Millers arrive. Daisy immediately reprimands him for not coming to see her. She then turns to talk with the hostess, Mrs. Walker, and tells her how mean Winterborne was for leaving her in Switzerland. She then asks Mrs. Walker if she can bring a friend (a Mr. Giovanelli) to her party. In answer, Mrs. Walker tells Mrs. Miller that she would be glad to see a family friend, but Mrs. Miller explains that she doesn't know the man. Daisy apparently picked him up somewhere. Mrs. Walker doesn't know what to do and says feebly that Daisy can bring the gentleman.
As the Millers are leaving, Daisy reveals that she is going for a walk in order to meet Mr. Giovanelli. Mrs. Walker is shocked and tells Daisy it is not safe. Daisy thinks it is, and then Mrs. Walker has to explain that it is not proper. Daisy doesn't want to do something improper and therefore asks Winterborne if he will accompany her. She then leaves with him.
While they walk, Daisy begins to tease Winterborne for not having come immediately to visit her. She tells him how much she is enjoying the society in Rome. As they approach the Pincian Gardens, Winterborne tells her that he is not going to help her find Mr. Giovanelli and that he plans to remain with her. Daisy ignores this and when Winterborne asks if she really means to speak to that man in public, Daisy doesn't understand him. He asserts his feeling that it is necessary to remain with her. Daisy again doesn't understand his meaning and tells him she never allows a gentleman to interfere with her. Winterborne advises her to listen to the right gentlemen and as they approach Mr. Giovanelli, he tells her that her new acquaintance is not the right one.
