Chapter Nineteen through Twenty-Six Summary

In chapter nineteen, Amy arrives at Lou's house shortly before nine o'clock and is immediately angry when she realizes Lou was in the house and did not come to help her with her suitcases, brought because Amy believes they are eloping that night. Lou hits her hard in the stomach, the first strike of a brutal beating. He then sits down and Amy grabs hold of his foot. He has to shake her off and notes she is clutching her purse, a point Lou believes will be good because it is typical of Amy's tendency to hold tightly to her money. The bum finally arrives. Lou shoves a wad of cash in the man's hands, knowing he will then shove it into his pocket, which he does. Lou tells the man to follow him to the back...