Angle of Repose

Lyman talks about his childhood, growing up with a dead mother and an emotionally distant grandfather; he admits to being “my grandparents’ child” (322). His grandfather was general manager of the Zodiac mine; his father was the superintendent. He was a rich kid, sent to boarding school, and his grandmother tutored him. He recalls a time when she told him about her time in Mexico. He ponders the career she might have had as an artist had she not been handicapped by never leaving North America. In that respect, Mexico became “her Paris and her Rome” (326). Susan and Oliver travel first-class on a train southward. They arrive and are met by Don Gustavo Walkenhorst, who speaks English with a German accent. They stay at Don Gustavo’s home.

Susan wakes early and watches the home come to life. She watches Ysabel, the coachman, water the horses and unleash the dogs. Servants, children, and animals gather in the court. Susan returns to the now-awake Oliver, and they discuss the future of the mine; there are many parties, all trying to get rich. They have conflicting interests though Oliver assures Susan that it is “all very agreeable” (335). If things go well, there is the possibility that Oliver might run the mine.