Chapters 17 through 21 Summary

"Stranger in the park" Conversation between Edgar and his doctor reveals that Edgar only has six months to live, and the doctor wants him to enjoy them. When Edgar takes refuge in a nearby park, he enters into playful conversation with an attractive woman, roughly his own age, who introduces herself as Anna Madrigal.

"Relating at lunch" Meanwhile, Mary Ann and Beauchamp are having lunch. As Beauchamp talks about how unhappy he is with DeDe, Mary Ann becomes increasingly uneasy and attempts to leave. Beauchamp asks her to just spend some time with him and invites her to the family cabin in Mendocino.

"A piece of Anna's past" Back in the park, conversation between Edgar and Mrs. Madrigal reveals that Mrs. Madrigal grew up in the same whorehouse in Nevada where Edgar lost his virginity (see "Quotes", Chapter 19). When he reacts...