Lolita Book 1, Chapter 17 Summary

Humbert plays with the idea of marrying Charlotte to stay near Lolita, though such a notion is torture to him.
His thoughts turn to sleeping medication. He indulges the idea of drugging them both so that he can have his way with Lolita while Charlotte is out cold.
He tries to reach Charlotte at the camp but instead gets Lolita on the phone. He tells her he plans to marry her mother. Her response: "Gee, that's swell" (1.17.7).
As he awaits the arrival of Charlotte's blue sedan, Humbert begins drinking heavily.