Part 1, Alice, Chapters 3-4 Summary

At the hospital, Alice silently confesses her unworthiness to God while Theresa's family prays goes about needed business. Folk dancing with Aunt Kate had been her version of church. Howard believes that prayers are guiding Lizzy into the next world. Lizzy is disconnected from the machines and dies in Dan's arms. In Chapter 4 Howard and Alice ride home in silence and find that mother-in-law Nellie has been busy. In the morning Alice guiltily rejoicing that beautiful Emma is safe. Nellie insists that Howard buy a decent suit for the funeral. Her money always comes with strings attached. In the crowded church, Howard warns Alice to say nothing. They have talked little in days. Alice's constant apologies annoy him. The enormity of Lizzy's death hits him before the coffin, while Alice is more composed than she had expected...