Part 2: The Big House - Tucson Summary

Alice is now 13 years old, and she goes to live with her grandmother, Nonna. Nonna's house is on the other side of the lake on which Uncle Billy's house is located. Nonna cannot take care of herself. Instead, Miss O'Boyle, her nurse, is in charge of feeding, washing, and dressing Nonna.

The "Big House" and the treasures stored within it are described. Nonna is apparently very wealthy. In her house, there is a lot of family jewelry, precious silverware, and valuable artwork. Many visitors come to call on Nonna. There is often speculation about who will inherit what from Nonna. Nonna often gives little gifts to Alice. When Uncle Billy and Aunt Frances discover what Alice has been given, they are extremely upset because they thought that they had a claim to some...