Who is Irene? Why is she in Chicago? Where does she know Clare from? Why does Irene not recognize Clare at first? What do they talk about? What is significant about this conversation? What does Irene realize about Clare? How does Clare explain her situation? Does Irene accept what she has learned about Clare? Why does Irene not want to see Clare again?

Who is Clare Kendry? Why does Irene think about the death of Clare's father when she first receives a letter from Clare? What is significant about this memory? Why is Clare passing? What is passing? Why does Irene become offended by Clare's situation? How does it affect Irene? Is Irene truly offended for her race or is there something deeper going on?

Who is John Bellew? How does he offend Irene the moment they meet? What does Bellew call his wife...