Chapters 71 through 77 Summary

"Starry starry night" Vincent decides it's "time to split" (kill himself), realizes that to slit his wrists would be unfair to Mary Ann, and decides on "a method that would lessen the horror" for her.

"The news from home" On her way to the switchboard, Mary Ann visits a lonely and depressed Michael, who talks to her wistfully about his longings for a relationship, "someone to buy a Christmas tree with." After she goes, he is shocked to receive a phone call from his mother, announcing that she and his father are coming to visit.

"A place for strays" Edgar visits Mrs. Madrigal's home for the first time. After they make love, and after they receive a passing visit from Boris the cat, and after assuring Edgar again that Mary Ann is away, Mrs. Madrigal tells Edgar another story (see "Objects...