Summary

In Chapter 22, when Curzon did not come back to visit Isabel again she decided that he had chosen the war over her. In the tavern, she learned gossip and news about the war. She read newspapers in the bathroom when she had the opportunity. One Sunday, Mister Hallahan let Isabel and Ruth off to go the church. They sat outside because Isabel knew if they went inside, they would have to sit in the balcony. She was upset by the sermon because the preacher talked about banishing tyranny and oppression but she felt that the whites only wanted freedom for whites, not blacks.

In Chapter 23, even though Isabel hoped that the war would continue to be postponed, a day came in September when Washington ordered it was time for the battle to begin. The widow gave all her employees a half day off...