Part 1, Chapters 10 and 11 Summary

Mrs. O'Henry invites Uma to a coffee party, much to the chagrin of Mama and Papa who consider such events silly and unnecessary. Mama also feels that Mrs. O'Henry, being the wife of a Baptist minister, has alternative motives in inviting Uma to a party - such as converting her to the Baptist religion.

In spite of her parents' objections, Uma attends Mrs. O'Henry's coffee party. The other guests are mildly disdainful of Mrs. O'Henry's food made from typical Western style recipes. Mrs. O'Henry senses that Uma is different, however, and tries to establish a friendly relationship. Mrs. O'Henry gives Uma some new Christmas cards for Uma's collection and asks Uma about Arun, who is attending school in Massachusetts where Mrs. O'Henry's sister lives. Uma reluctantly leaves the coffee party and returns home to the sullen atmosphere with Mama...