Complete story — includes the ending
Joan is trying to start a family with Greg, but her work schedule and his impending Army commitments make the timing difficult. Lane brusquely refuses Joan's request for time off in early January, since Greg is on duty over Christmas. Later, Joan is highly provoked to receive roses from Lane; he assures her the note was intended for his wife, and suspects that his secretary mixed up the cards, leading Joan to fire Lane's secretary. Don takes a New Year's trip to California to see Anna and meets her niece Stephanie. Stephanie reveals to Don that Anna has cancer, but does not know it. Upon being confronted by Don, Anna's sister Patty discloses that they have already consulted experts who collectively agree the cancer is terminal and advanced. Patty also asks Don to leave before he inadvertently tells Anna about her diagnosis. Returning to New York, Don enters the office and encounters Lane, who reveals that his wife has left him. They spend a night on the town to get their minds off their troubles. The episode ends with a partners meeting to begin 1965.
Sources and content license
Source and revision history · Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Mad Men season 4. HTML formatting and reference markers removed. · Content license