Chapter 3, Part 5 Summary

Once it gets dark, Al Greco drives the 18 miles from Gibbsville to the Stage Coach Inn outside of town. Ed Charney owns the Stage Coach, but Foxie Lebrix runs it. Foxie tells Al that Helene is already drunk. He complains to Al that Helene is a lot of trouble, especially on a night like tonight, when Foxie is expecting several parties from Gibbsville. Al and Foxie arrange for Al to sit at Helene's table. They agree that this might remind Helene that she belongs to Ed.

Chapter 3, Part 5 Analysis

The book's theme of alcoholism is carried out in this scene, but now it is Helene's drinking that is the topic of conversation. Ed benefits from Helene and Julian's drinking. Helene's drinking problem is a benefit to Ed Charney when he wants to have fun with her, but it causes a problem...