46 pages 1 hour read

Patricia Highsmith

The Price of Salt

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1952

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Part 2, Chapters 18-23

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2, Chapter 18 Summary

In Denver, Carol sells her diamond engagement ring instead of wiring her bank for money. She searches their hotel room for a dictaphone and expresses her wish that “the papers” discover their affair. Therese wonders how two people can be “afraid” and in love.

Carol and Therese go to the Cripple Creek gold mine with Mrs. French—a woman around 70 years old who requires lots of assistance. At the hotel bar, two men approach Carol and Therese. Carol has a stimulating conversation with her man, but Therese doesn’t like hers. However, Therese likes being with the most beautiful woman in the room. Carol jokes about going to Iceland with Mrs. French and holding hands in front of her.

Rindy writes a letter to Carol saying she wants her mom to send an armadillo because the chameleon she sent got lost. Rindy sends her love to Abby, and Therese wonders why Rindy mentioned her.

During dinner, Therese recognizes the detective, and Carol orders two Remy Martins. Leaving the dining room, they walk by the detective, who doesn’t look at them. Under the bedside table in the hotel room, Carol discovers a dictaphone. She cuts it out and compares it to a rat and Harge.

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