Chapter 19 and Postscript Summary

Chapter 19

When Betty becomes pregnant she decides to have the baby at the hospital. This offends Polly Deal. Polly says that maternity wards are just a way to trick people out of money. Betty requests that her baby shower be more modest than her wedding shower.

Letters from Herman often aggravate Betty's anxiety level. Herman writes about the dangers of war and according to his letters he is constantly facing impending death.

Two days after Thanksgiving Betty goes into labor. She is home alone and she cannot reach anyone on the telephone. Betty is well into labor when Polly arrives. Polly immediately takes charge. She says Betty should have been making preparations in case she had to give birth alone instead of waiting by the telephone and crying. Betty says that someone should get Lottie, but Polly advises that...