Summary

Here again, the story shifts focus, as narration returns to the Emerson plantation. Darlene and another of the maids are ordered to leave the kitchen and to join the Emersons in the drawing room. Missis Emerson makes a pointed comment about Darlene’s increasing weight. Meanwhile, other conversation reveals that Emerson has taken custody of the baby found with Dey, and that there is a mystery as to how it got there. Conversation also reveals that Dey is dead, and that Emerson wants the baby to be well taken care of. He assigns Darlene to the job, and she finds herself forced to agree.

That night, Darlene is visited in her room by Emerson. The narration reveals they have been having a sexual affair for some time, one that leaves Darlene believing that Emerson loves her. He seems about to make love to...