Summary

The perspective reverts to Katharina. She does not have faith in horoscopes. She cites dangers, including that strawberries grow very close to the ground “where the vapors are stale” (177), but no one warns about that. Hans returns from his trip with another book completed. Hans and Susanna name the new baby Katharina. Katharina felt it was a mistake, but “no one asks me” (177). The baby is beautiful but has little appetite. Maruschl abruptly becomes ill – confused, crying about itching, and sleeping a lot. Katharina looks for an answer. She digs ginger root at night for bread, and makes drinks with herbs. She has the pastor come by. Katharina could still face torture as part of the trial and she bargains with God, pledging to face that with a smile if Maruschl recovers. One night, Katharina finds Maruschl sleeping with the cow. She wants...