Chapter 2 The Imp-Riddled House Summary

Iris admires the rich and almost mystical qualities of the van den Meer house. Margarethe quarrels with Schoonmaker as though they have a more complex relationship than employer to employee does. It's a point that is emphasized when Margarethe uses his Christian name, Luykas. The Fishers depart and take up residence at the van den Meer's. Clara is reclusive and suspicious of the guests in her home. Henrika is revealed as the controlling force of the house. Her inheritance is the cause of their wealth and she subtly rules over her husband and daughter. Iris and Ruth go to play at Saint Bavo's where they once again encounter the spider woman, or "The Queen of the Hairy-Chinned Gypsies". Iris finally attracts Clara's attention by mentioning her supernatural experience. Henrika explains that Clara is not allowed to leave...