Part 2, 1945-1954, Chapter 6 Summary

Elizabeth remains for the summer term and George grows moodier than ever as the war ends. Violet has fallen in love with Harry Elton, who is George's emotional opposite. What Elizabeth sees when she comes home is worse than the newsreels, but Violet has transformed into a woman of fashion. Although she longs for Ireland, Elizabeth is happy to be home. George worries that she will be as much a stranger as Violet has become. The atmosphere at home is tense. As her mother insists, Elizabeth makes friends with Monica Hart, for whom she had never cared, and the two girls find little in common. Many things remind Elizabeth of the O'Connors and bring on sadness. School smells of disinfectant rather than incense, and there are no prayers. She regrets not being able to practice Catholicism for the present...