Chapter 7 Summary

Rather than tell them the truth, Ellen offers Starletta's parents $1 (which is refused) if she can stay, choosing instead to say that she got locked out of her house. Ellen agrees to share their bed but sleeps in her coat to avoid touching the covers. Upon returning home the next morning, Ellen hides in the wood until she sees all the men leave. Safely inside, she packs her things, vowing never to return. Now her only problem is figuring out who to call and what to say to them. She finally decides on her mother's sister, her Aunt Betsy, who agrees to come get her. Betsy's husband has recently died and Ellen figures she could use some company.

Betsy, like Ellen's grandmother, has a nice home. Having no children of her own, Betsy enjoys doting on Ellen, buying her all sorts of clothes...