Quicksand, Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen Summary

Helga finds herself just as attractive in Harlem as Copenhagen. Anne now keeps her at a distance, resenting that she has become so "white" in her appearance and demeanor, and feels Helga is somewhat disloyal to their race. Dr. Anderson, who Helga now dismisses as inferior after having been proposed to by Olsen, is also a barrier between Helga and Anne. At a party, Helga asks to be introduced to Audrey Denney, whom Anne dislikes intensely because she mingles with other races.

Helga spots James Vayle, her former fiance in Naxos. James feels it is the need to be among other blacks that keeps them returning to America from Europe. He is now assistant principal at Naxos. He tells Helga he does not like the mingling of white men with blacks. Helga tells him she...