Chapter 4 Summary

Freda is depressed for several days following the incident. She mopes about the apartment, sometimes in a rage and sometimes falling into long periods of silence. Brenda is especially worried when Freda becomes silent, since this is not her typical style of dealing with problems. We learn that in the meantime, Freda has taken the time to talk to Rossi, to warn him about taking advantage of Brenda. She tells Rossi to stay away from Brenda, that his advances towards her are unwanted. She threatens to tell Mr. Paganotti about him. As she returns to work, Freda has a solemn air about her and Maria wonders what is wrong. She has even turned down Vittorio's invitation to dinner.

Freda has an inner bout of jealousy towards Brenda who has a mother, a father, an estranged husband and even a mother-in-law who traveled across...