Part Two: Chapter IX, Merion Summary and Analysis

Maria realizes they have to do their best to repay these people who show such faith as to invest thousands in them. She proselytizes about God giving second chances and how the trust of others empowers one to do ones best. This chapter portrays life in the house "across the street" from the Drinkers, and hops from one triviality to another.

First, Maria tells that their visa extension, renewable every six months, is easily granted. Next, the little girls are learning to play instruments taught by a refugee from Austria who lives nearby and who once taught Maria. Each family member carries out his own responsibilities. Mr. Schang plans two Christmas concerts, again at New York's Town Hall, and Father Wasner arranges Christmas Motets and American Christmas carols.

A neighbor, Betty, corrects Maria's...