Chapters 19 and 20, Promise, Old Man Shilsky Summary and Analysis

After her experiences with Rocky, Ruth is ready to forsake the fast life. She gets a job at a diner and starts dating Andrew. Andrew is thoughtful and serious, a violinist who left North Carolina for the promise of music in New York City. He nearly starved trying to pursue his music, so he gets a job in Aunt Mary's leather factory.

When he introduces Ruth to his friends they are all stunned to see a white woman. It's 1940, and mixed-race couples don't normally walk around arm in arm; they keep their relationships secret. As soon as the shock wears off, though, Andrew's friends are wonderful to Ruth.

After a few months they think about getting married but decide to live together instead because they don't think the world will respond...