Chapter 2 Summary

Meggie is considered too young to go to church, and stays home each Sunday with one of her brothers. Paddy Cleary believes that young children do not belong in any house except their own, and that includes God's house. Fiona Cleary was a member of the Church of England before her marriage. Her family, the Armstrongs, were New Zealand aristocrats of a type, patrician pioneers. Fee's marriage to a poor, Irish immigrant was a shocking misalliance, and her family immediately cut her off.

Meggie begins school with her brothers, walking the five miles to the Sacred Heart convent school in Wahine. The head nun, Sister Agatha, canes all five Clearys for being late. Meggie vomits from fright, and is promptly sent home. Sister Agatha continues to discriminate against Meggie, showing preference to the girls from wealthier families. Maggie finds solace in her friendship...