Section 12, Through p. 342 Summary

Once in Manhattan, Renata wants to play, but Charlie has to play out the drama of pursuing Humboldt's gift. This involves a trip to a retirement home on Coney Island on the subway, a destination and mode of transportation beneath the dignity of one who hopes to become Mrs. Charlie Citrine, and who claims old folks' homes cause her to become hysterical. Once there, however, she plays the good sport with the old codgers she meets. Charlie says he needs her on the trip because Humboldt's uncle is a rascal and a player, and he probably hasn't seen such a sexy woman in a long, long time. Unable to dissuade Charlie from taking her along, Renata uses the trip to lobby for wifehood. She explains to Charlie that he doesn't understand real women.

When Charlie and Renata arrive at...