Part 1, Chapter 6 Summary

Carl's cousin, Hilda Grossman, comes from Tomahawk, WI, to help with Ruth. Her remarks about the island and the drowning only heighten Carl's suspicions. Ruth is restless and tearful at first and neither adult can comfort her. Hilda jumps at the chance to discipline her with a wooden spoon, and chastises Carl for Ruth's not being reliably toilet trained, which reflects on both her mother and aunt. This makes Carl angry enough to send Hilda home, but also makes him wonder about the drowning and wish that he could talk to Mathilda. When Ruth begins smashing things and bites Hilda, Carl worries about losing Hilda. Amanda is unkempt and unresponsive when Carl visits.

Amanda speaks mentally to Mathilda, reminding her that she had told her to go back. Mathilda never minds her as a child, crying all night. Amanda remembers being...