Chapter 36, Fortuna North Summary

Oskar and Korneff are paid for the gravestones in trade merchandise: potatoes, sugar, lard and cloth. A tailor's widow makes them each a suit, in exchange for a headstone. Splendidly arrayed, Oskar visits the hospital, bringing candy to the nurses. He asks a hearty Westphalian lass, Sister Gertrude, on a date. Oskar is disappointed that she does not wear her nurse's uniform on the date. After a flashy dance with Oskar, Sister Gertrude flees, embarrassed by his stature. Oskar stays, dancing all night with girls from the telephone exchange. Throughout the next year or two, he continues to socialize with the girls.

After months of soul-searching, Oskar gives up the telephone girls. The black market is drying up as goods become more available, and Oskar is now supporting the entire family. Oskar takes Maria to the movies, and asks...