Summary

In Chapter 11, “The Christmas Sun,” Tante discovered that Step-and-a-Half had opened a notions shop. Because her employee was pregnant, Step-and-a-Half hired Tante as her replacement.

The first time Franz kissed Betty, he realized he only wanted to be with Mazarine. He traipsed miles through the cold to “the Shimek house” (241). Mazarine reluctantly let him in. Ever since he stopped speaking to her and started seeing Betty, she had locked him “in a cold little room” in her mind (243). After warming himself, Franz asked if he should come see her again. Mazarine said no (243).

Hock “obtained a warrant” to search Clarisse’s home (244). While Hock searched her room, Clarisse went to the kitchen for a cigarette, returning to her room with a knife. Hock showed Clarisse a stray bead he found in the floorboard, threatening to arrest her if she would not be with...