Summary

Annie contemplates the possibility of Sally entering a convent, "her own child bringing beauty to these suffering souls" (93). She thinks that the Good Shepherd Sisters would have a place for her. Sally wears a cloak and black satchel and joins Sister Lucy on her day visiting homes. Sister Illuminata remarks that Sally is having a "baptism by fire" (95). The chapter "Sister Lucy" follows Sally and Sister Lucy on their visit to Mrs. Costello's home. Sally notices the stump of Mrs. Costello's amputated leg as Sister Lucy lifts her from bed. They notice blood stains on her white sheets, and Sister Lucy asks Sally to clean the stains. Sister Lucy bathes a naked Mrs. Costello and Sally regards her body as grotesque (99). Mrs. Costello cries "I'm afraid, I'm afraid" as she is being bathed. Once fully immersed, she becomes quiet. Sally notices a...