Chapters 22 through 27 Summary

Chapter 22: Walter comes home from work early to talk to Kitty the next day. He tells her he is going to a Chinese province named Mei-tan-fu which is suffering from a cholera epidemic. At first she thinks he is planning to kill himself, but then he tells her he expects her to come and she wonders if he plans on killing her. When she refuses, citing the danger, he tells her he is planning to file a petition accusing her of adultery.

Chapter 23: Kitty breaks down in tears at this accusation but does not deny it. Walter remains calm which causes Kitty to become angry, and she denounces him, telling him that she never loved him. He knows this, though, and says he was content simply being with her and loving her. He is also doubtful that Charlie will really leave...