Chapters XXVI and XXVII Summary

In Chapter XXVI Lapham leaves town to meet with the West Virginia paint people again. Persis goes to Lapham's office to talk to him and instead finds Zerrilla there by herself. After she has returned home, Persis receives a note instructing her to ask Lapham about the girl in his office. She questions Lapham as soon as he returns from New York. Lapham angrily instructs her to find out for herself, and then leaves. Persis goes back to the office where she meets with the girl again and discovers her identity.

After this encounter Persis feels unwell and has Penelope question Corey about Lapham's whereabouts. Corey comes to the house personally to tell them he is in Lapham. Corey stays at the house late and is about to leave when Irene returns home. Irene is mature in...