Summary

In 1948, Gilbert describes his difficulty securing a job because of racist employers. He eventually finds work as a postal driver. Another employee refuses to ride along with Gilbert because he is Black. Men later harass Gilbert as he picks up packages. When he arrives home, he finds Hortense cleaning the floor. He violently drags her up and tells her, “I did not bring you to England to scrub a floor on your knees” (263). Gilbert is unhappy with Hortense’s attempt at making chips for dinner. He storms out; a white woman approaches him to return a dropped glove. The woman gives him a piece of candy and Gilbert is touched by her “human tenderness” (270). He returns home with fish and chips for himself and Hortense.

Queenie takes Hortense shopping. Hortense is frustrated at the inability of shopkeepers to understand her. When they return...