Chapters 1-2 Summary

Lancelot Andrewes Lamar is the son of a family with deep Southern roots. Lancelot is in a mental institute after the death of his second wife, unclear if he is being treated as a patient or a criminal. Lancelot has denied knowledge of the events that have led to his confinement until he sees a friend in the hallway.

In chapter 1, Lancelot welcomes an old childhood friend into his room at the mental institute and recalls some of his fond memories of their childhood together. Lancelot claims to have begun remembering why he is in the hospital upon seeing his friend in the hallway the day before.

In chapter 2, Lancelot welcomes his friend, whom he calls Harry or Percival, and tells him that he has seen him walking through the cemetery that sits outside Lancelot's window. Lancelot asks his friend what...