Part I, Chapter 8 Summary

At a particularly gloomy supper at the boardinghouse, the clock strikes ten and the doorbell rings. Mrs. Milagros sends the maid to see who's at the door, and a woman's voice says, "Is this the home of Mr. Camilo Canegato?" Mrs. Milagros realizes that Rosa's at the door, and she leaps to her feet. Soon, the entire household, except for Camilo, is at the door, welcoming Rosa and inviting her inside. Rosa is completely bewildered by this response and stands there speechless.

Mrs. Milagros treats her as a mother would, but Rosa seems to not understand what is going on. Mrs. Milagros notices bruises on Rosa's arms and assumes that she's had an awful fight with her father, but Rosa just nods her head when she's asked questions. Mrs. Milagros praises Rosa for being so brave to run away...