Part 1, Chapters 3 and 4 Summary

Uma is now twenty years old and firmly entrenched in the household, tending to both Mama and Papa's demands. One day, Uma stealthily leaves the house with some money she has saved and escapes to St. Mary's School, the convent school, where she hopes to plead with Mother Agnes to continue her education. When Uma arrives at the school, she frantically searches the classrooms until she encounters Mother Agnes and collapses in a weeping mess at the nun's feet.

Unfortunately, Mother Agnes does not rally to Uma's defense and encourages Uma to concentrate on her domestic duties, which are also important for young women to learn. When Mother Agnes attempts to steady Uma in preparation for leaving the school, Uma collapses again, this time writhing and foaming at the mouth. Eventually, Uma recovers and is returned home in the...