XXIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Passage of Time

  Maggie's reflection on turning forty-one and the distance from childhood highlights the inexorable march of time.

• Social Class and Decline

  The Campions' financial struggles and their efforts to earn money through crafts and lessons illustrate their social decline.

• Unfulfilled Love and Marriage

  Lily's hopes for Mr. Marshall's courtship remain unfulfilled, and May's mysterious A. J. hints at a potential but uncertain romance.

Characters to notice

• Maggie Campion

  Feels the weight of age at forty-one, works hard to earn money, and cares for her family.

• Lily Campion

  Attempts to earn money through music lessons, becomes intensely religious, and hopes for a courtship with Mr. Marshall.

• May Campion

  Attends a ball and dances repeatedly with a mysterious A. J., sparking curiosity and potential romance.

• Victor Campion

  Observes May's behavior at the ball, noting her flirtation with A. J.

• Mr. Marshall

  A potential suitor for Lily, but he never calls, leaving her disappointed.

• Mrs. Clark

  An elderly neighbor who receives weekly flowers from Lily, which she uses to decorate her husband's grave.

Key passages

• “While we still feel that we are just entering the sea we look back, and how far we have come! How far away are the seashells and sandcastles of childhood. We can see them, but we can’t go back to them.”

  As we feel we are only beginning life, we look back and see how much has passed. Childhood seems distant and unreachable, and we must continue forward.

  Maggie's reflection on aging and the irreversibility of time.

• “She had become very High Church, and while she hadn’t quite the courage to call Mr. Nelson “Father Nelson,” especially as he had a large family, her genuflections, and crossings, and flopping down on her knees in the middle of the Nicene Creed, provided much material for conversation at the Sunday dinner tables of the rest of the congregation.”

  Lily adopted High Church practices, such as genuflecting and crossing herself, which drew attention and gossip from the congregation.

  Lily's religious fervor sets her apart and becomes a topic of local discussion.

• ““May Campion! Who’s A. J. ? Every waltz with A. J. ! ‘Love’s Kiss,’ A. J. , ‘ Je T’Aime ,’ A. J. , ‘ Mia Cara ,’ A. J. , ‘Love’s Confession,’ A. J. ⁠—why, May ! Well, you certainly made a conquest⁠—who in the world’s A. J. ? Do I know him?””

  Maggie is astonished to see that May danced every waltz with the same mysterious partner, A. J., and questions who he is.

  May's dance card reveals a potential romantic interest, sparking Maggie's curiosity.