Chapters 7 - 8 Summary

Teaching one month in the Cove and Christy discovers a few idiosyncrasies about the children. For one, they refuse to sit next to a child of the opposite sex, believing that such behavior belongs in a "courting school". They also would rather learn Latin than English grammar. Their poor nutrition contributes to their inattention during class and many of the children have bad eyes. Christy is tremendously discouraged with her efforts and wonders if she really should be teaching. One evening, in an effort to evade Ruby Mae, Christy goes for a walk and ends up by the O'Teale cabin. Once Swannie O'Teale sees her, Christy knows that she cannot turn and ignore the woman. Inside, Christy sees a filthy cabin with one corner penned off. It is for the oldest O'Teale son, who is a teenager who wears only a...