Setting: Takes place in J.C.'s office, story manuscripts are being reviewed.
Characters:
J.C.: A mentor figure, successful editor, gives practical advice and gossip.
Mr. Manzi: Chemistry teacher, felt sorry for him due to past dishonesty.
Betsy: Colleague at the Ladies' Day event.
Philomena Guinea: Wealthy benefactress, provided a scholarship.
Doreen: Friend who offers care when protagonist is ill.
Themes
Guilt and Conscience: The protagonist feels guilty about lying to Mr. Manzi.
Ambition and Role Models: Wishes to be like J.C., a successful editor.
Social Expectations and Disappointment: Pressure from mother to learn shorthand.
Illness and Friendship: Shared experience of food poisoning strengthens bonds.
Events
J.C.'s Office
Protagonist is reading and typing feedback on story manuscripts.
J.C. advises and shares gossip about a lunch meeting with two writers.
Ladies Day Events
Attends a film premiere with Betsy, Hilda, and Emily Ann Offenbach.
Watches a Technicolor movie described as uninteresting.
Lunch with Philomena Guinea
Remembers eating finger bowl contents mistakenly.
Reflects on receiving a scholarship from Guinea.
Illness Incident
After the premiere, protagonist and others fall ill from food poisoning (crab meat).
Shares a cab with Betsy, both vomit during the ride.
Friends help each other during sickness, emphasizing friendship.
Reflections
Protagonist reflects on her ambitions and wishes for guidance.
Imagines a life as a famous editor similar to J.C.
Experiences deep guilt and anxiety but finds solace in friendships.
Key Quotes
"I wished I had a mother like J.C."
"There's nothing like puking with somebody to make you into old friends."
Conclusion
Chapter captures a blend of ambition, guilt, social struggle, and the strength of friendships, presenting an intimate look into the protagonist's mindset and experiences.