The Coming of Bill · Chapter
X: Accepting the Gifts of the Gods explained
Mamie discovers that Steve has taken William Bannister from the nursery, leaving only a note.
What happens
Mamie discovers that Steve has taken William Bannister from the nursery, leaving only a note. After a day of searching and distraction, she finds Kirk at his studio and informs him. Kirk reveals he received a telegram from Steve, who has taken the boy to Kirk's Connecticut house. Kirk resolves to go retrieve him, and Mamie insists on accompanying him to care for the child.
Themes in this chapter
Parenthood and Child Rearing
Mamie's fierce protectiveness and Kirk's determination to reclaim his son highlight conflicting views on who should raise the child.
Individualism vs. Interference
Kirk and Steve act independently against the wishes of Ruth and Mrs. Porter, asserting their own vision for William's upbringing.
Characters to notice
- Mamie
Discovers William missing, seeks out Kirk, and insists on joining him to care for the boy.
- Kirk Winfield
Returns from Long Beach to find Mamie waiting; reads Steve's telegram and decides to go to Connecticut.
- Steve Dingle
Takes William Bannister to Kirk's Connecticut house; sends a telegram and leaves a note for Mamie.
- William Bannister Winfield
The missing child, taken by Steve to Connecticut.
- Mr. Penway
Present at the studio, briefly interacts with Mamie and Kirk before being asked to leave.
- Ruth Bannister
Mentioned as having left early after a mysterious phone call; unaware of William's disappearance.
Key passages
“She buried her little face on the pillow which so brief a while before had been pressed by the round head of William Bannister and mourned like a modern Niobe.”
Mamie cried into the pillow that still held the imprint of William's head.
Shows Mamie's emotional breakdown before she regains composure.
“If you put that infernal thermometer in I'll run the automobile up against a telegraph-pole, and then Bill will lose us both.”
Kirk jokingly threatens to crash the car if Mamie uses her thermometer on the child.
Highlights Kirk's humorous yet firm stance on not coddling William.