Chapters 12-18 Summary

In Chapter 12, Greg sees a portrait of Marguerite when she was fifteen. Greg asks to see more portraits. Lissi takes Greg to the ballroom where the portraits are displayed. There are portraits from the late 1200s to present. Greg seems to be fascinated with each handsome face. Greg asks Lissi to tell him what life was like when she was young. Lissi tells Greg that women, their children and anything that may have belonged to them became property of their husbands.

He says, "'You have the romantic view they show in movies and books. I'm afraid my view is colored by my memories and the fact that I'm a woman. It's easier to be a woman now. We needn't marry if we don't wish, and can't be forced to have children. We can get an education, have a career, own property...