Summary

The publisher sends Elena 100,000 lire, with another 100,000 promised when she signs the contract. Her parents are amazed. She buys a new dress and goes to Milan to visit the publisher. She feels like the book is, at last, hers, despite being a girl and despite being from the neighborhood. Her editor praises her, praises the book, and discusses some small thread of power that he can't put his finger on. Elena feels very accomplished. They find her a hotel and pay for everything--the train, the hotel, and the food. She goes to Pisa to see Pietro, very happy. Pietro says he is not sure about the scene in the book where "the girl loses her virginity on the beach." It is very important and Elena does not want to lose its impact, but she changes what she can.

In Chapter 122, Elena has arrived...