Chapters 1-2 Summary

In the opening of the novel, the author provides a detailed description of the town hall where Carl Brown and his girlfriend, Annie, are about to be married. Next, he gives background on Carl, who grew up in Brooklyn, but now goes to university in the Midwest. Annie McGairy also comes into the story at this time. She offers a less colorful background and a more straightforward name. However, she appears very young, which causes some problems as they try to marry without the consent of her parents.

The local justice of the peace, Willis J. Calamus, marries the young couple, but only after Annie produces her baptism certificate, proving her status as an adult. During the ceremony, Annie thinks back to her childhood, ending with her mother's disappointment at Annie's decision to leave. Just at the end of the ceremony...