Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

World War I falls conveniently at the time Eugene's "map of life" calls for him to take up public service. He has already begun playing a semipublic role, helping reform the New York Stock Exchange, and he finds various ways of applying his $40-$60 million fortune to the public good. Early in 1917, Eugene signs on as a "dollar-a-year" man in Washington, serving in several capacities culminating in the War Industries Board. Four months after Kay's birth, Mother leaves the children in the care of Powelly and a governess to join Eugene in Washington. The "temporary" situation lasts four years, and the effect on the older siblings is more profound than on infant Kay. Mother thrives socially in Washington and takes pride at a distance in the progress of her children, who grow devoted to kindly Powelly.

Mother finds Washington women intellectually...