Chapter 6 Summary

This chapter opens with a cell day, a day when the nuns are mostly free to do as they please. This day brings to mind the faults in Cecily's and in the other novice nuns' personalities. Questions of Cecily's stability and her strength are the greatest challenge, other than that Cecily seems to have no faults.

Meanwhile Catherine tries to get hold of her position as abbess and also studies the abbey's financial books. Catherine is surprised at the abbey's financial expenses. As she goes over the books, she is shocked by Dame Veronica's coolness and irritation when questions are asked. Much money had been spent on unnecessary renovations. Restorations and repairs completed during Abbess Hester's reign had taken their toll on the abbey's funds. In addition to these troubles, Dame Veronica has been complaining of heart troubles for which Dr. Avery has...