Summary

Lorraine Languid arrives at the house for her appointment. Ada inspects Lorraine and finds that her blood is much thicker than it should be. Ada relieves some of the pressure by opening a vein and removing some blood. Lorraine expresses happiness and gratitude, which makes Ada feel both happy and uneasy. In an interstitial section, a villager explains that she likes Ada and Father, but that their healing methods seem somewhat strange, even a little disturbing. Before Lorraine leaves, she insists on coming back to the house regularly, to have similar treatments. Father assents, even though extra treatments are not necessary. With each appointment, Lorraine insists on bringing food and other things for Father and Ada. They accept the gifts, even though they do not need them. In her spare time, Ada thinks of Samson. She wonders how long it will take for the...