Part 1: Chapter 8 Summary

It is March, and Charity has just delivered her baby, David Hamilton Lang. Sally is restless and uncomfortable, wishing that her baby would come, too. They are walking home from a visit at the hospital when Larry reads a letter from Harcourt Brace and Company, saying that they want to publish his novel in the fall and they are offering a $500 advance against royalties.

They call Sid and all their other friends and Larry goes downtown to buy alcohol and party food for the celebration. People keep arriving at their little apartment, and they are so happy and excited. After several hours, the landlord calls and tells them to quiet down. Larry puts Sally to bed and goes out to say good-bye to his guests. Two of the women kiss Larry on the lips before they leave. Then Sid and Larry...