Chapter Twelve Summary

Margie's life is a constant struggle to maintain her looks, and she reviews the strategy of her pursuit of the security of a husband. She has known many men in town, including Danny, Marullo, Stoney, and various traveling salesmen. They all know her, but do not know that she has been with the others. They share their secrets with her, and because of this, Margie knows more about what is going on in town than any other person. She is not proud of this situation, but she comforts herself with the fact she does not use this information for her own benefit. However, she sees no problem with using the information to help someone else.

Margie has taken Ethan on as a project, to release him from his pain. She sees changes coming in him that no one else seems to...