Chapter 28: Saints
Summary
- The chapter is titled "Saints" and centers on a conversation between Madeline and a librarian as well as Madeline and a reverend.
- Madeline is searching for the address of a boys' home in Iowa with a name that sounds like a girl's name.
- The librarian believes they need more information, while the reverend suggests it might be named after a saint and could be in Sioux City.
- The reverend explains that caregiver institutions are often named after saints because caring for children is difficult, and such caregivers are seen as saints.
- Madeline is skeptical and challenges the reverend's views, while he mistakenly thinks she is looking for humor in Mad magazine.
- Madeline reveals she's researching her family tree and mentions her father grew up in a boys' home.
- It's suggested she look under "Saint Vincent" in the phone book, but then she's advised to try "All Saints" after not finding the original name.
- The reverend contemplates the nature of his job, having to offer comforting lies, as demonstrated by a funeral anecdote.
- Madeline tells the reverend her father is deceased and discusses missing someone she never met.
- The reverend reflects on scientific doubt in God and his connection to a man named Calvin Evans, who had a significant impact on him during their correspondence.
- Madeline eventually finds a listing for "All Saints Boys Home" but only an phone number is provided, prompting the reverend to offer to call for her.
- The reverend struggles with the fact he'll have to lie about the call, and he also reflects on Calvin Evans, a man who meant a lot to him and whose funeral he officiated.
- The reverend remembers Evans, a scientist who doubted religion but with whom he developed a close correspondence until a rift occurred over their fathers.
- Madeline provides her deceased dad's name, "Calvin Evans," leaving the reverend shocked, recalling his own history with a Calvin Evans.
- Madeline mentions her dad was a rower, and the reverend reminisces about the small turnout at Calvin Evans' funeral.
- In the end, the reverend helps Madeline connect the phone number to the boys home with her father, and they share a secret.