Ballad of the Sad Cafe, pages 49 - 71 Summary

Amelia finally arrives, and spots Lymon and Marvin at the same time. Cousin Lymon is trying to ingratiate himself to Marvin by wiggling his ears, something that Amelia loves. But Marvin only asks if the 'brokeback' is having a fit, and he becomes annoyed with Lymon's friendliness, finally bashing him over the head. Everyone holds their breath, expecting Amelia to react to this violence, but Amelia seems to be in a trance, not reacting. Perhaps she does not want to hurt her love's object of love, Marvin, because she can see the attraction Lymon now has for Marvin. Marvin, triumphant, walks away from the barbecue.

Marvin spends the next few days loafing around, taking advantage of his poor foster mother, and generally raising a little hell and fear around town. Lymon...