Part 1, Chapter 7 Summary

Amanda recalls feeling little better coming home to Mathilda and baby Ruth. Food makes her sick and she knows that it is the pregnancy but pretends otherwise. She wants to run away to a convent to have the baby—and maybe become a nun. At least her parents will not know her shame. She recalls Mama's spells, when any noise hurts, and one day Mama hides in the cellar. Amanda searches everywhere for her.

Amanda badgers Mathilda into the three of them moving to the island for the summer. Neither Mathilda nor Rudy likes the idea, but agree. Mathilda takes it as a game, but Amanda thinks seriously about never coming back. After checking the ice, Amanda moves the supply sled out. The musty house gives her second thoughts, but she hopes that the summer leaves will preserve her secret...