Chapter 3 Summary

Greenleaf welcomes Tom to the apartment in a voice that promises good martinis, a gourmet dinner and a bed for the night, if necessary. Mrs. Greenleaf is exactly as Tom expected, blonde, tall and slender. She holds a rather formal air, yet she's full of naive good will. Mr. Greenleaf introduces Tom as a young man who works for an insurance company, and Tom does not correct him, although he distinctly remembers telling Greenleaf he was in advertising. The only time Tom feels uncomfortable all night is when he is telling the truth - which is that his parents died when he was very young, and he was raised by an aunt in Boston.

When Tom compliments the celery remoulade appetizer, Mrs. Greenleaf admits it was Dickie's favorite. Tom jokes that maybe he can take Dickie some in his suitcase, along with the...