Summary

Father’s death results in an outpouring of grief from the nation, but the courts give his estate to Richard Booth. Mother moves the family back to the farm at great expense. The family fractures once again. Asia and Joe remain at home, but John is sent to a boarding school in order to shape himself up. The family remaining in Baltimore, meanwhile, resent Edwin and June, whom they believe are profiting in California. This is partly true, but in fact there is tension between the brothers; June cannot tolerate Edwin’s consistent drunkenness.

Asia is the first to learn of Father’s death, and she is diligent in preparing for his funeral. When the body arrives, however, Asia cannot believe he is dead, and rushes to her bedroom, afraid that he is still alive despite the doctor’s reassurances. She is angry...