Chapters 1-3 Summary

As the novel opens, Miss Julia tears through her house in a panic. She seeks the help of her friend and housekeeper, Lillian. Upon finding Lillian in the kitchen, Julia shares that something is missing. Lillian assumes Miss Julia forgot that her husband, Sam, and her housemate, Hazel Marie, left on vacations.

Lillian attempts to calm her employer, to no avail. Though she never slows down to explain her panic, Julia continues ranting about her missing objects. She brushes away all of Lillian's help. Finally, as the chapter closes, Julia explains her rings are gone from her room.

Chapter two flashes back one day. Julia recalls, for the reader, a party she hosted, to take her mind from the boredom of her husband being away. The party fails to entertain Julia, however, and she gladly shows the last guest out. Ever...