Summary

In preparation for her escape, Gina begins to keep an ear out for news of possible school excursions. The staff speak cryptically about one potential outing. Meanwhile, the fifth-year girls continue to bully Gina: when the General sends her a box of pastries to share with the class, the girls burn them in a mock funeral pyre. Susanna finds Gina crying in bed afterward and commands the rest of the class to comfort her. Mari Kis orders Gina to be on her best behavior, because the “best class” (81) gets to attend a tea party in late October, at the house of a former Matula pupil, Mitsi Horn. Gina decides to attempt her escape during this outing.

The day of her planned escape, Gina encounters an older student, Aradi, who petitions the statue Abigail for assistance. Aradi’s act of supplication and belief in...