Summary

In “The Widow Bride,” Chapter 3, Imelda’s friends ask her about Cass. Imelda dismisses their concerns about Cass’s behavior at the Lions Club. The other women agree that Imelda will miss Cass after she leaves for college. Feeling reflective, Imelda realizes she is “the age Imelda had been when she’d met Frank” (288).

The family had taken Cass to the hospital and pumped her stomach. They discovered Cass had been drinking heavily of late.

Imelda tells Maurice Cass’s behavior is “tied up with . . . exams” (289). She then explains their financial situation and Cass’s desire to go “to college in Dublin” (289). Maurice agrees to help.

In spite of her self-doubt, Cass receives passing exam scores. Imelda feels their family has “done it together” (295).

The family goes “for lunch in the town to celebrate” (295). While out, Maurice tells Imelda that he...