Summary

Mr. Bell agrees to marry Ruth, leaving her feeling thankful for the marriage and regretful or her efforts with Ceph. On their wedding day, Mr. Bell, whose first name turns out to be Carl, sketches the same suspicious shapes Nat found in his notebook earlier on a place mat at the table. Mr. Bell admits that they are all meteor landings in the state of New York. Nat and Ruth quickly rent an apartment together in Troy. Father Arthur sells Nat to Ruth for $500 and returns Zeke’s check after he learns about the marriage. Nat and Ruth enjoy their new life. They walk around the city and they can buy whatever junk food they find. Ceph appears in town. He is eighteen now and has freedom, but he does not seem to want it. He continues to visit Ruth, who feels somehow responsible...