Summary

The next morning, Russ prayed in bed. Everything about the previous night frightened him (373). He found Marion wrapping presents in his office. As soon as he saw her, "he told her that Perry had sold or given marijuana to Larry" (373). Marion was unfazed, revealing that Perry had already told her. Her response made Russ hateful.

During dinner, Russ "abruptly" left "the table" (375). He went to the third floor to call Frances. Seeing Marion's ashtray felt like permission. He told Frances about his conversation with Ambrose. He pressed her about smoking together. Frances hurried to get "off the phone" (375).

In the weeks following, Frances became distant, even ignoring Russ during "the Tuesday circle's" outings (377). Finally Frances confessed that she had been avoiding him because she had broken his records. She had wanted to replace them before telling him. Then they made a date...