Book 3: Chapter 4 Summary

Jim describes waiting in Lena's formal parlor and her success at being a dressmaker, despite the fact that she never finishes work on time or within the designated budget. Jim sometimes meets Lena downtown and has Sunday breakfasts with her. Jim describes playing with Lena's dog, her quaint use of American expressions, and how pretty she looks in the mornings. Once, Jim and Lena talk of Ole Benson, and Lena states that there was never any harm to him. Lena describes how he spoke in Norwegian and showed her his tattoos. Lena says he married his wife because he thought she was the only person who could keep him steady.

The Polish violin teacher who lives across the hall from Lena dislikes Jim's visits. Old Colonel Raleigh, Lena's landlord, and this Polish violin teacher both adore Lena and resent one another...