Chapters 23-31 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 23

Toomey returns to Monaco with Hortense in tow. Toomey worries about taking Hortense to his apartment because Domenico is in residence and often makes his morning coffee while naked. Despite a rocky start Hortense becomes involved with Domenico.

Chapter 24

Toomey eases up on his dominion over Hortense. Hortense and Domenico become intimate. When Toomey asks his sister about the relationship she scoffs and says she is not an innocent.

Toomey continues to scour the theater and other places for a suitable lover. Toomey is attacked and beaten in an alleyway.

Chapter 25

Toomey manages to get a message to Hortense while he is in the hospital. Toomey insists that Hortense not be told of the details.

Hortense and Toomey argue about her relationship with Domenico. Toomey tries to get Hortense to leave and she becomes angry.

Chapter 26

It is...