Chapter Twenty-four Summary

Paul is sitting alone in his cabin, looking at a picture of his late wife, Tessie, and remembering how a year ago he didn't think he would ever get over her. Instead, he is now trying to get Miriam Altman out of his mind. Whenever she comes over, he tries to discourage her affection, and tries to convince himself that he is not attracted to her, but it is getting more and more difficult to do so. He reminds himself of his love for Michael, and how much it is going to hurt him when Angel ultimately leaves him for good. Paul tells himself that Miriam will be the wife that Michael deserves when Angel is finally out of the picture.

Later, Miriam and her siblings trick Angel into climbing a tree for the first time in her life, and Michael...