Part 1: Chapter 2 Summary

Larry and Sally are driving to Wisconsin where Larry has just taken a position as a professor at the University of Wisconsin. They have been driving for days, and they are so glad to be almost there. They have $125 to last them until his first payday, so Sally doesn't want to spend much on a hotel and dinner. They find a place to stay for the night that includes breakfast for $1.50.

In the morning they try to find permanent housing, but they are disappointed when they find that the selection is slim and the rents are high. They find a poorly furnished basement apartment, but are charmed by it because its back lawn slopes down into Lake Monona with its pretty sailboats. When they do the calculations, though, they are very discouraged. They don't see how they're going to make ends...