Summary

Chapter 7 is titled “Richard McAdam,” and it is set a few days later, May 25, 1929. Richard McAdam is practicing what he is going to say during his toast at his daughter's (Claire's) engagement party. He remembers meeting Kate, Claire's mother, for the first time. He and Kate's brother, David, were roommates in college. Richard and Kate met when she arrived to collect David's things after he unexpectedly died. Richard had gone overseas and carries the emotional scars of that service. He had nightmares for years, and began to lie about the cause. Richard has come to hate George Lytle and all he stands for. He wishes he had a son, knowing that Paul will have no interest in taking over the mill when Richard dies.

Richard's father and grandfather had been progressive with regard to the mill. They put in a dynamo to provide...