Summary

Chapter 12

More than twenty years have passed. Alma has written two books on mosses and has begun work on a third. Alma is a well-respected expert in the small world of bryology, something she finds somewhat amusing. Alma has never married. She remains at White Acre to care for her elderly father, Henry. George and Retta remain married, though it is not a happy marriage. Retta has never been able to carry a child to term. George never seems to approve of Retta’s behavior. Retta has begun to show signs of mental instability and often has fits that require George to ask for Alma’s help. When Retta attempts to start a fire in her bedroom, George asks Alma to arrange for Retta to go to the hospital. Alma arranges for Retta to be placed in the...