Plainsong

Victoria is with the McPherons over the Christmas break. Her schedule change perplexes the brothers, who cannot fathom her new routine. They discuss the issue together, relating to their only point of reference: pregnant cattle. Harold compares Victoria to a young heifer, and Raymond admonishes him. They decide to call Maggie and ask her where they can buy a crib.

The next morning, Raymond and Harold come in from work and sit down while Victoria is eating her breakfast. They nervously tell Victoria that they would like to take her to a department store to shop for baby materials, “for fun [as well as] for some diversion” (154); Victoria agrees. The brothers inspect the cribs closely, though Victoria says they are all “too expensive” (157). Raymond tells her not to worry. The brothers settle on the most expensive crib in the store, as well as the mattress and all the dressing. The scene makes Victoria cry, but the brothers reassure her. They pay for everything with a check, pack up the truck, and drive home.

They arrive home early in the evening. A number of cows have gotten out onto the road. They unpack the truck and then corral the cattle back into their pasture.