Summary

The second section of the novel is titled The Book of the Witch. The section opens with a quote read by Governor Endicott outlining the charge against Mary, including that there is “much evidence” to support the charge.

In Chapter 20, Catherine makes dinner for them. Thomas's prayer includes thanks for Mary's return, “as if she had been thought lost at sea and suddenly, much to everyone's surprise, been found” (210). Thomas asks if Catherine believes Mary is possessed by the Devil. By answer, she shakes her head “grimly” and continues to eat. When Catherine leaves the house, Mary contemplates killing herself with a knife. She cuts the back of her wrist slightly but hears two words: “get up.” She knows this is her soul, helping her realize she is in God's hands but that her time on earth belongs to her. She puts aside...