Chapter 22 Summary

Palinor awakes to the sound of Severo leaving. Dolca is outside washing clothes, and Palinor is reminded of his wife. He wonders if he wife thinks he is dead, or if she has taken up with his cousin.

When Dolca comes into Palinor's chamber on an errand, he asks her to undress but tells her she can refuse. She says she is only scared, because she doesn't know what to do. Palinor tells her to come to him, and he covers her with oil and honey, pleasuring her and then making love to her. When they are finished, Palinor realizes that Joffre is in the room. Joffre says he and Dolca are sweethearts, not brother and sister, and Dolca is a virgin, because she seems afraid of sex.

Palinor show Joffre how to pleasure Dolca, and then takes her again himself. Palinor then...