Chapter 18 Summary

David finishes the story in four days. He fears it is not good, but he knows better. He meets Marita in the bar, and when she asks to read it, he gives her the key to his writing room. She judges the story as terrible and wonderful. When David and Marita return from swimming for a late lunch, Catherine is waiting for them. She demeans David, criticizing his choice of words and calling Marita his paramour. Catherine is even more furious to learn that Marita has already read the finished story. She reminds them both that she is the person who pays the bills, who makes it possible for David to write. Catherine demands to read the finished story, and David demurs. He tells her to read it after lunch, if she must.

After lunch, Catherine reads most of the story, then tears...