Part Two: Chapters VIII and IX Summary and Analysis

In chapter eight, Malcolm visited Elizabeth Sigmund, who had only good things to say about Sylvia. She was a friend of Sylvia's for only a year, but it was during the time of her marriage troubles and suicide. Elizabeth blamed Ted immediately after Sylvia's suicide and never stopped blaming him. Elizabeth portrayed Olwyn as being envious of Sylvia's talent and beauty. Elizabeth recounted an incident, soon after Sylvia's death, in which Ted all but confessed to being responsible for Sylvia's death. Of course, Ted was not available to verify the incident and Elizabeth's memories could have been faulty. Olwyn was a frightening person. Elizabeth had played poker with her a few times and was afraid that Olwyn was going to slap her when Elizabeth won a hand. Elizabeth was very aware...