This Is Happiness

Noe grapples with whether to confront Christy about his actions. Noe initially intended to plead Christy’s case to Mrs. Gaffney, but after meeting her, he feels compelled to make Christy talk to her directly instead. However, when Noe sees Christy’s gentle demeanor and ease while helping Doady, he hesitates and hopes that the situation will resolve itself without his intervention. Eventually, Noe tells Christy that Mrs. Gaffney knows he is in town, urging him to face her. The end of the chapter highlights a dramatic incident involving a falling electrical pole, during which Noe breaks both wrists and loses consciousness.

The history of Avalon House, where the Troy family now lives, is revealed. Before it became Avalon House, it was known as Penniworth’s Hotel, a halfway house for weary travelers. Mr. and Mrs. Penniworth had bought the building after the Henshawe family fled. The hotel was poorly maintained and gradually fell into disrepair. After the Penniworths passed away, Dr. Troy, a member of a prominent Dublin family, purchased the property and renamed it Avalon House. Dr. Troy’s son, Jack, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a doctor.

After the incident in which Noe broke his wrists, he wakes up in Avalon House, injured and disoriented.