Part Three, Chapters LXXVII - LXXXVIII Summary

Chapter LXXVII concerns the Salvation Army girl Marie, as told by Bertrand von Muller. He says his perceptions have changed, possibly as a result of his not eating properly for a long time. He feels like a sleepwalker moving towards the light. Bertrand von Muller is now staying at home all of the time, visited by Dr. Litwak, who says he is anemic, and by Marie, who brings him food. Sometimes he goes for a walk with Marie. One day he tells her he wants to commit suicide, but needs her to go with him. She refuses.

In Chapter LXXVIII, Hanna has called the doctor to discuss some anxiety she is having about Walter, her son. She is losing her identity, and mixes up Walter with Lt. Jaretzki. When the doctor tells her...