Chapter 11 Summary

Trina calls to Miss Baker, who is returning home after a trip to the market. After exchanging pleasantries, Miss Baker reveals to Trina a secret: Maria and Zerkow are to be married! Trina supposes that Zerkow only proposed to Maria so that she can regale him with the story of her lost wealth - the service of dishes that she had back in her home country. It is the only wealth Maria has to offer him, and the old man is so hungry for wealth that he is willing to marry a woman just to hear stories of it. Maria must have agreed to the marriage so that she will have someone who will be willing to listen to her story often and at length, Trina supposes.

As the two women part company, Miss Baker turns to go to her flat. Just then...