Chapter 7 Summary

Unexpectedly, the Wilcox family is moving into the house across the street from the Schlegel girls. Aunt Juley, having noticed Charles on the sidewalk earlier, obtains this bit of information from him, and is quick to share her concerns with Meg. Aunt Juley does not want this new development to cause Helen and Meg any distress, and she assures the girls that the episode with the Wilcoxes is quite in the past. Meg is willing to risk any discomfort to stay in her house. Besides, Meg says, there is never any real risk for people who have money, "You and I and the Wilcoxes stand upon money as upon islands. It is so firm beneath our feet that we forget its very existence. It is only when we see someone near us tottering that we realize all that an independent income means. Last...