Chapters 23-26 Summary

In Chapter 23 Augie learns that Stella lives in New York while he is studying at the Merchant Marine Academy on Speepshead Bay. He looks her up while on liberty, watching for hints how she will react to a kiss. Stella welcomes it. They reflect on Mexico and Stella offers a few details about her background, including that she has a father in Jamaica who sends her money and is a follower of the mystic Gurdijieff. Augie is convinced that Stella is completely honest, although she denies that anyone is. They make love until he is due back for another week's training and worrying if she truly loves him. Stella is waiting for him on Saturday. Augie proposes immediately, rather than waiting six months as Clem had urged. They plan to marry as soon as he graduates

Chapter 24 introduces Harold Mintouchian, a...