Summary

The protagonist exposits upon an elderly resident called Mr. McGinty, who loves to bet on horse races. He is somehow very good at predicting the results of a race. One day, Mr. McGinty predicts the results of the Kentucky Derby, and he and many residents place bets. McGinty’s predictions are correct, and the bets accrue many thousands of dollars. The residents give this money to Elminides, and she is able to pay off most of the tax debts. The protagonist then exposits upon his and Pawlowsky’s activity of stargazing on the roof, during which times Pawlowsky often waxes poetic about the city. The protagonist resolves to become better acquainted with the often reclusive Elminides. One day, he is dribbling a basketball in the street when he sees Elminides He asks her about her life. To his surprise, Elminides speaks at length about...