Summary

In Chapter 35, the group assembled for the party, and had dinner and cocktails. Afterwards, Tom challenged Malcolm to arm wrestle, and when Malcolm would not take the match seriously, Tom punched him. Frances slapped Tom in return. Tom told Susan he was leaving and asked her to come with him. She refused.

In Chapter 36, Mme. Reynard suggested they have a talent show, and read a poem by Emily Dickinson. Joan demonstrated her drawing skills, and Frances told a story. In this story, she recalled how her mother ignored her during her childhood, literally refusing to speak to her or otherwise acknowledge her existence. At age 11, Frances decided to force her mother's hand by setting her bedroom on fire in the middle of the night. When she woke, Frances' mother ignored Frances, called the fire department, and went to the airport, boarding a...