Part 3 - Orphans and Ghosts, Chapters 17 through 24 Summary

Chapter 17 - Almost immediately after his father's death Arvin goes to live with Emma, developing a close friendship with Lenora who seems determined to recreate herself in the image of her mother Helen - thin, pale, in an unbecoming bonnet. Also like her mother, she fantasizes about Roy taking her into a new and better life. Meanwhile Arvin, aware that she is being bullied at school, has taken to defending her with his fists, recalling his father's lessons. He tells Emma, who is nervous about his fighting, that he sees no sense in praying for guidance, partly because there are a "lot of no good sonsofbitches out there", and partly because he believes the constantly praying Lenora prays enough for both of them.

Chapter 18 - Roy and Theodore are now set...