Part 1: Chapter 2 Summary

Frank Wheeler catches a glimpse of the girl he fell in love with as April acts out her part onstage, and his desire is white-hot as he makes his way backstage after the curtain comes down. He envisions giving her a great burst of love and approval, laughing off the disastrous production in a round of kisses and compliments. Instead, he finds a disgruntled, quarrelsome April Wheeler in her dressing room, in no mood to be humored. They begin snipping at each other and their bickering continues outside and into their car as April demands to be taken home without joining friends afterwards for a drink. The war of words escalates in the car until Frank pulls over and slides across the seat to try and take his wife in his arms. April, however, rebuffs him with a sharp "Leave me...