Section 5 Summary pages (91 - 124)

Michael is lost without the girls around the house. At 15, he discovers that he is attracted to older women and goes out at night to dances where he can drink and come home late. Moran waits up for him one night and strikes him around the head for his tardiness and his drinking. Mona and Sheila come for the weekend and bring a much needed distraction.

Maggie returns from London, while Mona and Sheila return from Dublin for the Christmas holiday. Moran is back in full spirits and the rituals of Christmas and the Rosary fill the house with joy. Moran raises the topic of Luke with Maggie and she tells him he is doing well with his business.

The three girls and Michael attend the St. Stephen's Day dance. The girls are shocked when Michael takes a glass of...