With Albertine out at the theatre, the cries of street vendors inspire Marcel to compose, but his work unravels as his obsession grows ("The Street"). That night, after an argument, Marcel and the Narrator reach a decision, but before he can tell Albertine that she must leave, his maid Françoise informs him that she has gone. Even with her departure, the war between the two Marcels and Albertine continues to escalate ("The Letters"), but a broken Marcel halts it by scribbling out a telegram begging her to return on any terms. Before he can send it, a messenger appears with news of her death.