Summary

Chapter 19: Marian attends the office Christmas party and it is a luncheon for just the women during the workday. She sits with the three office virgins and listens as they discuss a woman who refused to shower or change her clothing for months. At the end of the party, Mrs. Bogue announces Marian’s engagement – much to Marian’s surprise and dislike. She assumes that one of the office virgins must have told her boss as she is congratulated by all of the gushing women in the department. After work, Marian takes the subway to the park near the university. She walks through the snow and meets Duncan on a park bench. The two say little to each other but embrace quietly in the cold darkness.

Chapter 20: The chapter opens with Marian at the grocery store, carefully placing items in her cart from her list...