Chapter 15 Summary

Ellen already knows what she will say to the "Foster" woman, so she just prays she'll make a good impression and won't be turned away. Saved-up cash in hand ($160), Ellen finally rouses up the courage to knock. The woman answers then bombards Ellen with questions. Ellen asks if she can come in and the woman encourages her to warm up. The woman comments on Ellen's pretty dress, a compliment which pleases Ellen. Ellen then tells the woman that she needs to know who Ellen's parents are and whether she ran away before she can grant such a "strange" request. Ellen explains that her parents are dead and that her aunt threw her out. She also explains that she knew to come there because she saw the woman at church with other girls her size. While the woman contemplates the complicated logistics of the...