Part 1, Chapter 3 Summary

Carl walks on two canes and he and Ruth do not hit it off well and Amanda, seeing that Carl cannot care for Ruth, dislikes him. Amanda recalls Mathilda and Carl marrying in December, six months after meeting, and causing gossip. Carl is nothing special and has no money saved. Mother is too ill to attend the wedding, but receives them in her room afterwards. Amanda accidentally breaks Mother's cherished crystal vessel that day.

Carl tries too hard to make small talk with Ruth and sees Amanda hide smiles when Ruth reveals her dislike for her father. Amanda's recollections of Mathilda do not match his own and she forbids his moving with Ruth to the island before he is healed. Amanda recalls listening to the couple in bed and working daily to build a house on her island, while also helping...