Chapters 15-19 Summary

Esther talks about Shekure with Black. When she leaves, Esther does not deliver Black's letter right away as promised. She first visits Hasan, Shekure's brother-in-law, to let him read Black's letter. Black's letter is sincere, complimentary and ambitious in seeking Shekure's affections. Hasan returns Black's letter to deliver and gives Esther his own letter for Shekure, with a rude threat that Shekure must return to her husband's home. Esther leaves in poor spirits because she is starting to wonder whether she wants to help love-stricken Hasan.

Esther delivers the two letters to Shekure, telling Shekure that Black is very much in love. They gossip about Elegant's discovered body. Shekure has Hayriye take halva to Elegant's widow to show her condolences. Esther waits silently as Shekure reads Black's letter; Esther asks what he has written. Shekure automatically answers Esther's probes with her...