Quicksand

Helga is increasingly popular at Harlem parties due to her “deliberate lure” (98) and extensive, bright wardrobe. She attends a function hosted by Helen Tavenor and sees Anne (Gray) Anderson, whom Helga feels treats her with an attitude of superiority and distrust. As she dresses for the party, Helga considers the fact that Anne disapproves of her having lived closely with white people in Copenhagen, and that Dr. Robert Anderson is a wedge in their friendship.

Audrey Denny, who had been Anderson’s date at a cabaret in the past, is introduced to Helga by the hostess, who notes that the woman is “Anne’s pet aversion” (99). Helga also sees James Vayle, to whom she had been engaged at while Helga was at Naxos. She puts him at ease and they discuss the differences between European and American treatment of black people. Vayle feels that people return to America, despite the problems of racism, in order to experience a sense of community. He dislikes Harlem, but asks to see Helga again and declares his intention to propose marriage. He also counsels her to have children, which Helga has vowed never to do, as she does not want to impose suffering upon innocents.