Summary

In Chapter 3, Miss Goering, Miss Gamelon, and Arnold had lived in Miss Goering's new island house "for nearly four weeks" (123). Miss Gamelon found the new lifestyle unnerving, and complained constantly. Arnold began returning to the city for work "less and less frequently" (124). Arnold's laziness and sloppiness irritated Miss Gamelon. She thought it was unnatural that he should live with them without making any romantic gestures.

Meanwhile, Miss Goering grew thinner and more nervous. She was constantly working around the house. Miss Gamelon wondered if she "was losing her mind" (125). One night while Miss Goering and Miss Gamelon were sitting together, Miss Gamelon complained openly about Arnold. Suddenly, Arnold struck Miss Gamelon over the head with a perfume bottle, making "a deep cut just above her forehead" (126).

That evening, Miss Gamelon stood outside the house feeling sorry for herself. She could not believe...