Part 2, Chapter 18 Summary

As the influence of Eliza waned in Eugene's life, that of Ben increased.

Steve has married a woman from Indiana named Margaret, whose father has left the family a small amount of money and a farm. Steve brags about living on her money, and the brothers and Helen are disgusted. He is drinking and sliding into violence, ultimately attacking Luke one evening. Ben steps in and all of his pent-up anger at Steve causes him to lose control. He has to be pulled off by the other brothers and all are ashamed that they have attacked each other. Eugene is proud of Ben. Margaret and Steve move to Indiana, and Steve is constantly in trouble with her brothers. He shuttles back and forth between Altamont and Indiana.

Helen and her friend, Pearl Hines, travel through the South for three years, singing...