Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Over dinner with Tom’s parents, Tom reveals he is writing a novel and wins his father’s support while Lucille subtly undermines him. The next day, Isabelle privately confronts Meg about lying but, moved by Meg’s effect on Tom, keeps her—on condition Meg secretly report any drinking in the house.
Summary
Lucille, Tom, and Meg dress for a summoned supper at the Heidelberg home. At table, tensions surface as Isabelle needles Lucille about a Memphis dress and Meg’s origins. Tom announces he is writing a contemporary novel and hopes for an advance; Big Mr. Heidelberg is proud, while Lucille pointedly dampens expectations.
Tom speaks emotionally about learning from past mistakes and how Meg has helped him value family and responsibility. The tenderness softens Isabelle and even moves Big Mr. Heidelberg to tears, though Lucille pointedly withholds Tom’s attempt to hold her hand. Meg falls asleep on the ride home, carried to bed by Tom.
The next morning, house staff escort Meg to the big house, where the presence of several cars alarms her. Isabelle meets Meg privately upstairs, accuses her of lying about her origins, and demands honesty in the family. Meg, terrified of being returned, explains her isolation and fear at the orphanage and begs not to be sent back.
Recognizing Meg’s positive effect on Tom, Isabelle decides to keep Meg but imposes a condition: Meg must quietly inform her if anyone in the household drinks liquor, which Isabelle blames for Tom’s past troubles and for Lucille’s influence. Meg lies that no one is currently drinking yet agrees to report any future drinking. Isabelle instructs Meg to tell others the visit was for school dress fittings and sends her downstairs, warning her not to let Isabelle down.
Who Appears
- MegNarrator; enjoys family dinner, fears being returned; pleads to stay; agrees to secretly report any liquor use.
- Isabelle Heidelberg (Mrs. Heidelberg)Tom’s mother; probes Memphis lies, confronts Meg, then keeps her on condition she inform on household drinking.
- Tom HeidelbergAspiring novelist; seeks parental approval, expresses gratitude for Meg; moved to tears; supported by his father.
- LucilleTom’s wife; flashy, evasive about Memphis; undermines Tom’s hopes; avoids his touch; suspected drinking target.
- Big Mr. HeidelbergTom’s father; hearty host; proud of Tom’s novel; visibly moved by family tenderness.
- MaggieHeidelberg maid; serves dinner and later escorts Meg to Isabelle’s upstairs meeting.
- Willy MayHouse staff; delivers Isabelle’s summons, gently steadies Meg, offers a rare comforting hug.
- OneyDriver; transports Meg to the Heidelberg home for Isabelle’s private meeting.