Part 2, Chapter 12 Summary

While Mrs. Sucksby continues to touch Maud's face and examine her features, Maud becomes aware of her surroundings - the conversations around her, the crying babies, and the barking dog. Someone has asked about Sue and been told that she stayed behind to tend to a few final details. Maud gathers her senses, pushes Mrs. Sucksby away and demands that Richard tell her where she is and why she is here. First, she learns that this is Mrs. Sucksby's house and not Richard's. Second, she learns that this is where Sue was raised among thieves. Third, they tell her they consider themselves honest thieves.

Maud leaps to the conclusion that Richard plans to steal all of her inheritance, and that he has brought her there to be killed. She also concludes that Sue has been part of the plan all along...