Perfect Peace

On the evening of the dance, Paul brings Christina to his house, where Emma Jean interrogates her about her parents’ comments on Paul’s suit. At the dance, Eva Mae jealously watches Christina and Paul dance together; she dislikes Paul giving Christina his full attention. Eva Mae interrogates Christina about how much she likes Paul, and Paul promises Eva Mae that she has a special place in his heart. Caroline enters wearing a beautiful dress, and everyone stares at her and Bartimaeus in awe. Bartimaeus continuously compliments Caroline, and when she states that she is “too fat to be pretty” (290), Bartimaeus promises her that he can feel her beauty every time she holds his hand.

Bartimaeus asks Caroline to marry him, and Caroline happily accepts. Johnny Ray enters with his date, Violet, and Paul can’t keep himself from staring at him. Christina asks Paul if the girl he is staring at is pretty, and Paul becomes flustered. Paul dances with Eva Mae, whom he thinks is out of control, and she asks him if he thinks Johnny Ray looks nice. Paul tells Eva Mae to stop, and she storms out. As Paul follows Eva Mae, he encounters Johnny Ray, and the two speak awkwardly until Eva Mae begins to laugh at them and announces that she will walk home by herself.