An Empty Plate 1950: Chapters 7 - 10 Summary

On Daniel's sixteenth birthday, he decided to have a birthday party to which he invited only Clara, Barceló and Bernarda. Daniel's father tenderly bought him a cake and laid the table with the best cutlery. They sat and waited painfully, but Clara did not show up, and Bernarda came later carrying a small gift and apologies. Daniel goes out, heading for the Barceló residence. On the way a strange man approaches him, asking about the book. The man offered to pay any price for the book. The man is smoking, has a limp and his face is totally burnt and disfigured. Daniel is very scared and recognizes this man as being the one who had approached Clara. When Daniel denies still having the book, the stranger makes what appears to be a veiled threat against...