When they weren't praying, they did what schoolgirls everywhere do. They laughed, they shrieked, they burst into hysterical sobs – all for no apparent reason… The schoolgirls also played the worst Western music imaginable, and they took a surfeit of baths – so many baths that the traditional inn where Wallingford and Evelyn Arbuthnot stayed was repeatedly running out of hot water.
In John Irving's "The Fourth Hand," amidst their prayers, the schoolgirls engage in typical schoolgirl activities. Their laughter, shrieks, and unexpected sobbing reflect a mix of joy and emotion that is common in young girls, highlighting their playful innocence. This blend of fun and unpredictability captures the essence of youth, where feelings can shift rapidly and with little provocation.
The schoolgirls also indulge in a peculiar passion for playing poorly received Western music, adding an element of humor and chaos to their environment. Additionally, their obsession with bathing leads to a humorous situation where the inn's hot water supply constantly runs low, showcasing their carefree living and the light-hearted nature of their group dynamic.
