Chapter 2 Summary

Mr. Brown retains only one maid and a gardener in his hotel. In the absence of guests his cook left for the Venezuelan Embassy. He manages to meet Martha more often although it leads to more quarrels. They discuss subjects such as faith that is irrelevant to Mr. Brown despite his Jesuit upbringing. His ideals mean nothing to him and perhaps he has become nothing with his hotel failure. Martha suggests that perhaps he was meant to be a priest. He knows that his sexual desires preclude any theological inclinations. He regrets his lack of beliefs, such as that of Mr. Magiot in communism.

He is preoccupied about Martha and her time spent with Mr. Jones, who teaches her now how to play gin rummy. Mr. Jones also manages to win the sympathy of her son Angel as well as their dog, whom...