The Latecomer

The Roarke students have divided between Eli and Carlos, and even come to blows. This leads to dysfunction socially, but also in the classroom and on the farm. Eli ignores the tension and seems to feel no responsibility for the fallout from his accusation.

This division is hard on Harrison, who had particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of the school. When Harvard contacts him to see if he still wants to defer for another year, he considers leaving Roarke. However, one morning Eli approaches him, and asks Harrison to attend a conference in Virginia that summer. Eli speaks at the conference, and Harrison would be given that opportunity as well. He mentions that Harrison might speak on his experience at Walden as a young conservative. Although initially repulsed by the term conservative, he realizes it describes him, and Eli had known it before he had. After he accepts Eli’s offer, they hear that Carlos and his allies have withdrawn from Roarke.

Lewyn goes home for spring break, while Sally stays in Ithaca to work with Harriet, and Harrison remains at school. At home, it is clear to Lewyn that things are not going well; Salo is never home, and Johanna is in sole charge of the baby.