Chapter 2 Summary

Edward and Henrietta Biranne, twins and the children of Richard Biranne, are talking with Mary Clothier about some stones that they have brought into the house. She tells them that they need to be taken out. Theodore Gray, Octavian's brother, enters and asks where Pierce, Mary's fifteen-year-old son, is. The twins tell him that he is upstairs decorating Barbie's room with shells and argue that if Pierce is allowed to bring in shells that they should be able to bring in stones. Casie, the housekeeper, also enters the room and the debate. Mary says that she is not going to stop Pierce because it is a special occasion, as Barbie has been away at school since Christmas. The inhabitants of the room debate quickly, with conversation flying fast around the room.

Theodore asks where Mingo, the poodle-like dog, is, as the dog generally...