Section 7 Summary

The evacuees land safely in Rome, where Carla reunites with Ben, who had been in Sudan during the evacuation and has just arrived in Rome. A few nights later, as Carla and Ben window shop after dinner, Ben broaches the subject of divorce, as if he were commenting on an article in the shop window.

Carla agrees that a divorce is best and smartly replies that Ben may have custody of the couple's past. Ben admits that he has never liked Carla's smart mouth, and she replies that what Ben really does not like are relationships. There is no discussion about the reason for the end of the marriage, and Ben never confronts Carla about her affair with Mantini, thinking that the shove on the terrace that night served its purpose.

Section 7 Analysis

Carla's abandonment by Ben and her sudden departure from Mantini...