Chapters 4-6 Summary

Remarkably, nothing changes at home. Paul still spends his evenings there and Elisabeth suspects nothing. Margot avoids love-making and knows that Albert's surname is not Schiffermiller. In a cheap café where no one will recognize Albert, Margot finds his name in his hat, looks up his address and phone number, wriggles out of her coat, primps, and admonishes Albert to be good. He prides himself that he can teach her much in bed.

In the morning, Elisabeth reads the mail and answers the phone. She is busy with Irma when it rings again and Albert hangs up on Margot, saying it is a wrong number. Albert confronts Margot outside the Argus indignantly, but Margot announces she is through with him. Knowing that he should let it drop, Albert begs forgiveness and offers financial support. Margot denounces him as a liar, coward...