Summary

Chapter 19 is titled “Gentlemen Callers.” Lambent, in his role as magistrate, assigns the only local physician – Dr. Jacklers – to investigate Erasmus's death. Faith tries to talk to him about her suspicions but he dismisses her. She notices that he is dressed well and knows that is probably because he is trying to impress Myrtle. Faith finds it “sickening.” Paul Clay arrives to deliver flowers, a gift from his father. Faith catches him with scissors and he reveals that his friends dared him to take a lock of Erasmus's hair. Faith is furious because she feels that a lock of hair is a very personal memento. Faith instinctively keeps Paul from being caught. She says Dr. Jacklers is not going to consider the possibility that Erasmus was murdered and that she needs help. She points out that his father and her mother are both...