Summary

In Chapter 25, Noemí arrived in Catalina’s room to find Mary, one of the maids, watching over her. Mary, seeming to be controlled by the house and repeating the word “Ours” (264), tried to strangle Noemí. Francis appeared and pulled Mary off of Noemí, and Noemí used the straight razor to slash Mary’s throat. Catalina seemed to be drugged. Noemí led her into the hallway, where they encountered Florence, who was holding a gun. Florence forced Noemí to walk to Howard’s room with Catalina, where Dr. Cummins’ was lancing the old man’s boils. Florence knew Virgil had been hurt, but the transmigration was to proceed, with Howard migrating into Francis. Noemí wondered if this had been the plan all along.

Dr. Cummins and Florence forced Noemí and Francis to kneel and pray for the ritual that was to take place. Catalina...