Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

A widow in self-exile from friends and family, Abby Reynolds is in Belgium. Abby is escorted by Hugh Nicholson, a man estranged from his wife, and in whom, Abby finds the pleasure of company. Abby Reynolds is vaguely disillusioned by the squalor found in real gambling establishments, in this area and others. Abby was expecting, even hoping, for the glamour of the gaming houses presented by the movies of Hollywood. Abby has been abroad for almost a year and has traveled widely. Abby fears the pity of family, because a woman alone is one who fills a degrading and contemptible situation. Abby Reynolds grew up with this mindset, and she has spent her life depending on someone to be there to lean on through the hard times.

Abby Reynolds comes to her senses while in Paris. Abby will arrange to go...