Pages 253-275 Summary

There is a terrible rainstorm and thunderstorm. Since Cotter's place is old and decrepit, Alexander and Mrs. Gray run to the station wagon and decide to continue their affair for the afternoon in the laundry room of Mrs. Gray's house. Kitty catches them on the mattress in the laundry room, so Mrs. Gray says Alexander should go.

By that night, word is back to Alexander that Mrs. Gray went back to her hometown to be cared for by Mrs. Gray's mother. For sale signs go up for the Gray house and Mr. Gray's business. Alexander talks about his last encounter with Billy Gray. Billy is crying and calls Alexander filthy names.

While murmurs run through the town, nothing definitive is ever said to Alexander. Alexander turns into a model son and student at this point.

Marcy Meriwether is threatening to sue...