Book 2, Part 10 Summary

Doc Swain visits Allison, who confesses her conviction that her nastiness is what killed Nellie. Doc tells her what he told Selena, that Nellie had cancer—Allison doesn't pick up on the lie the way Selena did. Doc then gently tells Allison that time will help her forget everything that's happened to her. She protests, but Doc insists, in some way insisting that he believe it himself.

Norman's neighbor, Mrs. Card invites him over for a snack. Because of the other neighbor's cat's meowing, Norman believes that neighbor, Miss Hester Goodale, is watching them. He sneaks into Miss Hester's yard and watches as Mr. Card makes love to his wife. Miss Hester, who has returned from her walk, is sitting in her rocker also witnessing the sex between the couple. Norman is trapped in the bushes because he is afraid...