Part IV: The Beg Pardon; Chapters 1-3 Summary

The final section of the book opens by describing the christening of the house with rum Lebert Joseph and his family have done in order to prepare the house for the Beg Pardon, Lebert noting that the Old Parents would be pleased. The family has kept vigil all night over the tossing and moaning, and then deeply sleeping Avey. When she awoke, it took her several moments to ascertain her location. Shame seizes her body as soon as she remembers the travails of the previous day, and the beautifully appointed room only heightens the feeling. Soon, however, Rosalie Parvay, revealed as Lebert Joseph's daughter by her mannerisms which are so like his. She offers unqualified assurance to the apologetic Avey that she has been no trouble, and that now she would...