Summary

Bernard recalls the two years since his arrival back in England. He lives in Brighton (Maxi’s hometown) and observes Maxi’s wife and children. A doctor visits Bernard to treat a fever. During the visit, the doctor dismisses Bernard’s fears of syphilis. Bernard, as he prepares to finally return to London, misses the “release [of] imminent mortality” (352).

In 1948, Queenie is angry that her husband has taken so long to return home. Bernard, meanwhile, learns his father is dead. He is also upset to find that Queenie has rented rooms to Black lodgers; he soon argues with Gilbert. Queenie and Bernard are awkward and tense with one another. They sleep in separate rooms. The next morning, Bernard tells Queenie that the Black lodgers “have to go” (360). Mimicking Maxi’s plan, Bernard suggests that he and Queenie move to the...