Summary

Chapter 17 occurs in Varinka’s perspective, taking place during the bandits’ attack on the Streshnayva estate. She debates whether to take a stand against Taras and his men, and instead decides to take Max to the izba. Varinka and Max navigate the route to her home in darkness and she fears that they will be attacked by wolves. Varinka tells Mamka that Max is the gamekeeper’s son. She confesses the truth after Mamka draws the Fool’s Card from her tarot deck, which indicates that Varinka is lying. Taras returns to the izba and orders her to “‘get rid of the child,’” or he will (153).

In Chapter 18, Eliza no longer receives letters from Sofya. She visits her mother’s friend Eliot Blandmore, who works at the New York Bureau of Immigration. Mr. Blandmore confirms reports of criminal activity on estates outside cities...