Cheri, Chapters 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 Summary

Lea rationalizes that because she is getting older her days of attracting younger men are over and she should just take up knitting or playing cards to pass her time. Lea's actions do not coincide with these thoughts, however, as she goes out to buy new lingerie and dresses and continues to have her manicures and massages on a regular basis. Lea spends time with Patron and some of her other friends, including Madame Peloux who calls on Lea at home.

Madame Peloux is careful to tell Lea that Cheri is happy at home and that her own visits with Lea will not include Cheri in any way and that Cheri's six-month disappearance was just a case of a young man sowing his wild oats. Lea slyly validates Madame Peloux's thoughts, declaring that Cheri's errant behavior will serve now...