Summary

Pages 145 - 160—“A Parisian Spring” consists solely of vignettes, foregoing the previously established pattern of a chapter-opening essay. James continues commentary on the established range of topics which include the children, the unique culinary and shopping experiences of Paris, Alessandro’s conversation exchange, Milo, and Claude. In this chapter, Anna’s school troubles continued as she rang the dismissal bell before asking permission to do so, but she experienced an unexpected positive development with Domitilla. When her rival was sent out of the classroom, Anna had compassion on her and gave Domitilla her prized pink hamster eraser. Milo continued gaining weight, at one point getting stuck behind the couch “like a cork in a bottle” (152). Alessandro’s conversation partner, Florent, declared his love for his school colleague Pauline and was undeterred by the fact that...