Summary

In Chapter 12, Catherine demands Amanda stop washing dishes to keep her company (45). Amanda takes her aspirin like candy (45). The friends talk about vices. Catherine says she is Ernest’s vice.

Catherine moisturizes the crocodile skin on Amanda’s back (46). She wonders if it has something to do with “Malaise of spirit” (46).

When Catherine notices the crocodile teeth around Amanda’s neck, Amanda explains they are lucky and were a gift. Catherine thinks they were from a lover.

In Chapter 13, Amanda finds Ernest “sitting in the sand” (49). Ernest seems sad. They talk about his articles, which Catherine clips and sends to Amanda. Ernest confesses he has “a world of questions” for Amanda (50). She refuses his offer to get a drink, rejoining Catherine instead.

In Chapter 14, Amanda met Catherine “at an artists’ conference” in Detroit (51). Amanda approached her, saying she seemed “like a nice woman...