Chapter Four Summary

Lily is scheduled to help Alvah York do her spring cleaning. The Yorks have the apartment next to Marie's and across from Pardon's. As she passes Pardon's door, she reflects on his murder. Lily did not know what caused Albee's death. She did see that there was blood around his head. Both Alvah York and her husband, T.L. seem different from normal—like something is very wrong. Though T.L. tries to be his usual cheerful self, full of platitudes, Lily notices that he does not whistle as he walks down the hall. He always whistles.

Alvah is no better. She is still in her pajamas and had not cleared the breakfast dishes, which is not like her at all. Lily cleans up the dishes with no protest from Alvah. Lily senses that it might be better if she...