Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

By late afternoon, Cecilia is satisfied that her repairs to the vase are undetectable. A red-eyed Briony approaches and rips her Chagall-like poster announcing Arabella in half. Cecilia puts down the vase and picks up the pieces, preparing once again to rescue her little sister from self-destruction. Cecilia has always loved comforting Briony, whispering to her after nightmares, "Come back. It's only a dream," and taking her into bed. Soothing Briony would relieve the day's frustrations, but Briony does not want to be cuddled. The twins, Briony admits, are stupid, but the problem is the whole play. The genre, a new dictionary find by Briony, is wrong. Briony hobbles off before Cecilia can get her to explain.

Cecilia carries the vase upstairs to the guest room, which Robbie's mother has given a good cleaning. From the window, Cecilia sees Briony crossing...