Part 2, The House Astride the Devil's Backbone, 1861 - Section 4 Summary

Chapter 8 - On the day of the showboat performance, Delphine spends most of the time in her room getting ready, with the help of Calinda and Cass who, late in the day and to the surprise of both Mama and Tilly, emerges from Delphine's room with her hair done and her face made up, dressed in one of Delphine's dresses. The amazed, and suddenly hopeful, Mama sends Tilly to Delphine's room as well, and she too is transformed. That night, the entire community, with the exception of the preacher and his wife, turns out to see the show, which Delphine doesn't really seem to enjoy ... that is, until Noah asks her to dance. As Noah and Delphine waltz, Tilly is surprised to be invited to dance by...