Summary

In Chapter 20, Varinka is determined to protect Max from Taras and Vladi, who “would do anything for Taras, their friendship forged by years of protecting each other in prison” (166). Vladi tells Varinka he is taking control of the linen factory and that the rebels are making “‘the old man write letters to Petrograd as usual’” to prevent suspicion (167). Varinka expresses concern for the Streshnayvas and Vladi tells her, “‘they won’t die … Not right away anyway’” (167). Taras tells Varinka to get rid of Max for the second time. Mamka warns her daughter that Max is not safe at the izba and Varinka believes “‘Taras is all talk’” (169).

Chapter 21 occurs in Eliza’s perspective, shortly after the trip to The Hay. Eliza visits her friend Julia Marlowe and her husband E. H. Southern at Wildacres, their home in the Catskills. Eliza had persuaded the...