Summary

In Chapter 25, Elena rides to the area of Naples in which Lila lives. Enzo and Pasquale drive her in Pasquale’s car. On the way, she quizzes them both about Lila—why is she sick, what has happened. The men are reticent. Pasquale changes the subject to Elena’s success. Enzo mentions that he and Lila saw an article about her in the major Naples paper. They arrive at Lila’s apartment.

Chapter 26 opens to the first time Elena and Lila have seen one another in over a year. Lila lies on a cot, dressed, pale, and thin. She showers Elena with compliments, and then thanks her for coming so late at night. After saying simply “I’m unwell,” she promises that she will soon get better since Elena has arrived. Then, in a rush of emotion, she makes Elena promise to take...