Chapters 11-12 Summary

Chapter 11:

This chapter returns to Florens who walks through the night without her boots. She thinks about the episode with the blacksmith and talks to him as if he is with her.

"What I read or cipher is useless now. Heads of dogs, garden snakes, all that is pointless. But my way is clear after losing you who I am thinking always as my life and my security from harm, from any who look closely at me only to throw me away. From all those who believe they have claim and rule over me. I am nothing to you." Chap. 11, p. 167

Florens reveals what happened at the blacksmith's cottage. Florens had picked up the hammer but when she tried to strike him, her strength vanished. A fight ensues. They wrestle. Florens hits her lover with the tongs and he bleeds. Florens...