Part 2 - The Past - Chapters 7 and 8 Summary

Chapter 7 - As Karen sees Naomi and Max off on their way to Paris, narration describes how Karen struggled to put the feelings that resulted from her contact with Max aside. In the weeks that follow, Karen strives to put Ray into the forefront of her mind, while at the same time wondering about Aunt Violet's state of health. One day, the mail brings a letter for Mrs. Michaelis from Madame Fisher in Paris, but it remains unopened for several hours, leading Karen to become increasingly curious about the information it contains. At teatime, the opening of the letter is delayed further by the arrival of another letter, this one from Uncle Bill announcing Aunt Violet's death. Mrs. Michaelis strives to rein in her feelings of grief and loss, eventually disappearing...