Chapters 13-15 Summary

Through a thick fog, Ali hurries, exhausted, through Baku and runs into Nachararyan, who takes him to a coffee house. Ali tells of his visit to the Kipianis, who rejoice in his proposal but want Nino to finish school first. For his sake, they point out differences in religion and upbringing and the terrible war. When it ends and they are older, they can discuss marriage. Ali is furious and insulted—and ready to kidnap Nino to Persia. The Armenian calms him and offers to talk to the Prince. Kidnapping should be a last resort. Ali is happy to have an ally. A friend of Ali's father says it is shameful to embrace an Armenian, but Ali finds such hatred stupid.

For the next few weeks, Ali and Nino's lives revolve around the telephone. She calls every day with news...