Summary

In her letter (75 – 77), Eliza describes her unhappiness and lethargy. She begs Lister to write to her, believing that this would lift her spirits.

“The Company of Girls” begins with the Middles watching from a window as the townsfolk celebrate Mischief Night. Afterwards, Eliza and Lister go to bed and exchange stories about their fathers. Another time, they stay behind after class and read the old graffiti on the windows. During a Drawing class, Lister persuades the master to tell them more about the art of engraving.

Walking through the streets of York, Eliza and Lister eat cake, order stockings, and discuss the people they see. In a hairdresser’s, Lister notices a headpiece with attached ringlets, which would save her having to curl her own hair. She cannot afford it, but Eliza insists on buying it...