Chapters 18-21 Summary

Chapter 18: Popeye and Temple drive out of Old Frenchman Place. Temple sees Ruby and the baby but neither makes any sign of greeting or recognition. Popeye crashes through the undergrowth to arrive on a heavily rutted road. Temple is jostled to and fro in the car, increasing the pain she already feels from the rape.

Popeye passes the site of Stevens' car accident and keeps going into Dumfries. Along the way, Temple is aware that she is still bleeding and that it is actually getting worse.

The scenery along the road is in full bloom. Faulkner describes its beauty.

Temple screams until Popeye commands her to shut up. Temple wants to stop but cannot get out of the car because of all the blood. The blood has begun to run down her leg, soaking her stockings and has also penetrated through...