74 pages 2 hours read

Larry Mcmurtry

Lonesome Dove

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

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Part 3, Chapters 81-85Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3, Chapter 81 Summary

Clara sees that July is depressed. She asks him to help her tend to Bob. He holds Bob while she gives him a sponge bath. She tells July that Elmira doesn’t want the baby; if he doesn’t want it, she’ll take it. The next day, Elmira isn’t there when he visits. He goes back and helps Clara shuck corn.

Part 3, Chapter 82 Summary

The next morning July watches Clara and Cholo geld horses. He helps them. That afternoon, she puts Martin in his arms. She asks July to stay on as a hand. He hums to the baby, and she shows him how to hold Martin. He starts to think that he should leave Elmira alone.

Part 3, Chapter 83 Summary

As they near Ogallala, the men are overcome with talk of the brothel. Po Campo encourages them all to get haircuts instead of soliciting sex workers. Deets is sad, and Call doesn’t understand why he doesn’t like the North. He reminds Call of an old animal before it dies. Gus thinks Deets senses something bad.

Lorena is worried that Clara will judge her. Gus misses his independence, even though he loves Lorena. He asks Deets if he’s ever wanted something he can’t have. Deets only says he wishes they were back at the river.