Summary

Chapter 37 takes place December 23, 1913; New York, New York. Jack and his wife Jessie return from three months in Europe and come straight to the library. Jessie says there were a lot of conversations about Belle. Jack says “All the men in the art and book world told us how highly they think of you” (284). There had also been discussions of how important the library's collection has become and one curator who expressed an interest in Belle working for him. Belle has been trying to make Jack see this, but these conversations have convinced him. Jack says they are going to have to sell off some pieces in order to meet outstanding tax debts, but Belle is relieved that they have chosen a huge collection of porcelain and a series of paintings that are currently in London. Belle approves. They also plan to keep...