Chapter Twenty-Three Summary

Eugene remembers how Tex's dream almost came true in another fashion. The day Arthur K. Clarke, not to be confused with the science fiction writer named Arthur C. Clarke, rode into town on a motorcycle, leading a brigade of others on rented motorcycles. It turns out to be a posse for the entourage accompanying the eccentric millionaire magazine publisher on his day at Tarkington College to accept an honorary degree being bestowed upon him. They rudely take over the town with their arrogance and self-entitlement. The ridiculous overkill of it all makes Eugene recall an earlier event that happened to Pamela, the art teacher with whom he's had an ongoing affair. She once worked for months on a one-woman show that would debut in New York City in a trendy art gallery. Working in foam that is heat-sensitive, however, proves to...