Section 3 Summary

The couple buries their son and waits for something to happen that might alter "a house steeped in shadow and silence." Nothing comes and time wears on them heavily. The couple rarely speak, and one night Mr. White finds himself alone in bed, his wife crying at the window. Mr. White warmly calls her back to his warmth, but she tells him that where he is, their son is colder. Mrs. White cries more, and as much as he wants to console her, he is lulled back to sleep by the bed's warmth. Suddenly, however, he is awakened by an outburst from his wife. Mrs. White demands the monkey's paw. Mr. White tells her it is in the parlor, at which she laughs, cries, and then kisses his cheek.

It just occurred to her that there are two remaining wishes, and she will...