Chapters 30-35 Summary

Crabbe lies awake, trying to figure out what Blanche is thinking. He imagines that she feels both attracted and repelled by Strickland's sensuous, animal nature. It seems strange, since she is always so placid and calm. Crabbe wonders if perhaps she has just gotten bored with Dirk, and has gone for Strickland just for a change. He knows that this reveals something unexpected in Blanche's nature. She seems so pedestrian and ordinary, happy with her stable home life. Yet she is willing to risk living penniless in a slum to be with Strickland. Crabbe is certain that Strickland is not in love with Blanche, because Strickland does not seem capable of love.

Dirk, desperate to see and talk to Blanche, waits along her regular shopping route, and then walks along talking to her, when she comes along to do her shopping...