Part 2, The Andaraz Summary

Ignacio narrates. Ignacio recounts marrying Blanca and their honeymoon to the Isle of Pines. When they returned to Havana from their honeymoon, Blanca lost interest in carnal pleasures. She succumbed to her husband's desires infrequently and only in fresh running water. Fresh water was a handicap in Havana. The only river in Havana was severely polluted and offered no privacy. Ignacio wanted to insist that she sleep with him, but found that he could not. He would indulge Blanca anything.

Blanca became pregnant. She demanded that she continue as Ignacio's research assistant and that he pay her a salary. He refused since he had not paid her a salary since they married. Blanca told him she would find employment elsewhere, but no one would hire her because of her pregnancy. Finally, Ignacio relented.

Blanca wanted go to...