Holden’s aesthetics are tested in the Lavender Room where the Buddy Singer band, “corny” and “putrid,” holds forth. Caulfield seems to resent adults but keeps struggling to be one. He tries to order a Scotch and soda (unmixed, of course) but gets carded and settles for a Coke.
The three women in their thirties, sitting at the next table, are tourists from Seattle, all employees at the same insurance office. Holden gives them a “cool glance.” Marty and Laverne are unattractive in such similar ways that Holden thinks they might be sisters, which offends both of them. Bernice is blonde, somewhat cute, and a terrific dancer, although lacking in personality. The women are concerned about Holden’s age and find it amusing that he is socializing with them. He, on the other hand, can’t stand their lack of taste or their touristy fascination with celebrities and Radio City Music Hall. The women excuse themselves, and Holden gets stuck with the tab.
