Summary

In Chapter 12, Benjamin says they will appear in court on Thursday, after several other cases. She holds onto the hope for justice but remembers the look between her parents and Reverend Norton. She fears “she was being naive” (121). Thomas arrives that night, asking to speak to Mary one more time before the court. Thomas claims he loves her as he did when he first saw her. She holds up her wounded hand as an answer. He pledges to never hurt her again if she comes home. He says he hurt her only to correct her because he fears for the state of her soul. Mary is not certain whether he really believes this. He becomes mean and angry before he leaves. The next day, Mary goes for a walk but carefully avoids the wharf where she might encounter Henry. She knows of a...