Out of the Easy

Josie and Patrick get off the streetcar and walk toward the Lockwood’s, Charlotte’s aunt and uncle's, house. Josie is awed by how wealthy and beautiful the neighborhood is. She observes that “it [is] as if dollar bills, instead of leaves, [hang] from the trees” (72). Patrick leads them into the house and Josie feels self-conscious about her outfit. Josie sees a table full of family photos in silver frames. She has not seen anyone do this before.

Charlotte finds them and promises to be with them throughout the party. She introduces them to her aunt and uncle, Lilly and John Lockwood, who ask them nosey questions about their backgrounds. Lilly is taken aback when Charlotte tells her Josie lives in the French Quarter. Patrick asks about their piano and Lilly asks him to play for everyone later. Charlotte brings Josie and Patrick into the library and apologizes for her aunt and uncle’s questions. The three of them laugh when they find Rogue Desire “tucked away on a high shelf” (77). They spend an hour in the library when Charlotte’s dad enters. He jokes with them and takes Patrick out to play the piano. Josie tells Charlotte that her dad is nice and funny; she says her parents are not together when Charlotte asks.