Part Two: Chapter XIII, The End of a Perfect Stay Summary and Analysis

Maria contemplates how much has transpired in three years in Merion. It has been a roller coaster of hard and easier times. They are no longer one hundred percent European, but they are not completely American yet. Maria appreciates the opportunities America has presented the family even if the Trapps are registered as "enemy aliens".

The author backtracks to how she became addicted to auctions after a friend in Merion introduced her to the concept. The auctioneer, who takes a liking to Maria, plays down the value of items of interest to Maria as "not worth buying". Thus, she gets some great bargains. Now that they are about to move, the "house was bulging with furniture which belonged to the family who had...