Chapter 8 Summary

Today is Sheba's day to see Ben. Richard now insists that Sheba visit Ben at the home of mutual friends, the Beckwiths, in Hampstead. He gives the reason that it is more convenient for him to drop Ben off there. Barbara thinks it is so that Richard can avoid running into Sheba at all costs. Barbara can't believe things have gotten so bad. She remembers how Sheba seemed so invincible in her happiness just a short while before the scandal broke. Not once does Barbara ever doubt Sheba's faithfulness to Richard. Richard is condescending to everyone and becomes petulant when the spotlight shifts from him, but Sheba accepts this because she was Ronald Taylor's daughter. She is used to waiting on a great and pompous man.

Every once in a while, Sheba will say something about having gotten married so young. She is...