A Confederacy of Dunces

Darlene waters down the liquor at the Night of Joy. Lana discusses the trouble in the city and the local cops. Darlene wants to dance, but Lana tells her to “shut up” (94). Next, Darlene suggests that they use her cockatoo to drum up business. George the orphan enters, and Lana leads him to a private spot. She tells George to bring his packages when Jones is out to lunch, as she suspects he is talking to the police. Inside, Lana agrees to “audition the bird” (96).

Mr. Gonzalez smokes a cigarette and reflects on his good fortune at having hired Ignatius. The filing seems to have disappeared, there is little friction in the office, and the only drawback is the “constant conversation about the valve” (96). Trixie arrives still wearing her nightgown and robe, so Gonzalez sends her home. An hour later, Ignatius thrusts open the door and they discuss Trixie. Ignatius believes that she may have been in the right. Ignatius begins to paint a decorative cross while Gonzalez works; an hour later, Trixie still has not returned. When she does arrive, she seems confused, and the conversation devolves into an argument. Ignatius finishes his cross, throws away the stacks of filing, and then decides to visit the factory.