Summary

In January, the cold weather truly sets in. Miss Kehoe takes Eilis into her confidence, explaining that Miss Keegan will be moving out, and that her rooms – the best in the building – are to be taken by Eilis. While the other boarders will be unhappy about this, Miss Kehoe doesn’t care. She is giving Eilis the room because Eilis is kind and has manners. The next day, the girls speak about Miss Keegan’s departure, saying she has gone to Long Island to live with family after having been followed home several nights by a man who exposed himself to her. The girls explain they wouldn’t take the room for any reason after Miss Kehoe’s experiences, for the room can be seen from the sidewalk through the windows.

Word comes that Father Flood is planning to begin...