Charles is invited to Brideshead for Christmas and learns that Mr. Samgrass and Sebastian will be there as well. Sebastian is as morose as he was before he left, if not more so. The atmosphere as Brideshead is gloomy. All of the liquor has been locked away and there is a tension among everyone there due to Sebastian's condition. The more his mother tries to exert control over him, the more Sebastian travels in his downward spiral. Charles remains loyal however and gives Sebastian money knowing that he plans on going to a pub. When Lady Marchmain asks him if he was the source of the money he is honest with her and her harsh words convince Charles that he will never again return Brideshead.
—garykmcd