Chapter 5 Summary

Once again, the limousine overheats on the way to the cemetery. When they stop at a gas station, Milton once again thinks of Peyton. Specifically, he remembers the Christmas of 1941. Peyton had been away at college for three months and was due to come home. Helen had made every effort to decorate the house cheerfully and the family were to have a small gathering. Helen's brother, Edward, is there. Edward had come to Port Warwick specifically to visit his sister and her family before going off to war. At one point before Peyton and Dick arrive, Helen answers the phone. Dolly Bonner calls to remind Milton that she has not seen him in quite some time. Milton assures Dolly that he will see her later that evening. Dolly and Pookie have divorced and Pookie is living in Knoxville. Helen guesses that it was...