Chapters 9-18 Summary

Ralph and Laura Whittemore are eager to make a fortune. The Whittemores always have several irons and the fire, yet could not be considered treasure hunters. Ralph and Laura are both from the Midwest and met in Manhattan. The couple married three months after meeting and soon discovered that their collective salaries were hardly enough to make ends meet. Ralph tries desperately to improve his standing through a series of job changes and promotions. After one new job seems to be the answer to the couple's prayers, they plan to get a larger apartment, buy a second car, and have a child. Neither Ralph nor Laura is especially giddy about the potential rise in salary and standing because it is something they have always expected.

Laura becomes pregnant and quits her job. After a while, Ralph decides to call his potential...