Chapter 38, Renewed Invitations to go South Summary and Analysis

After her journey to England, Linda returns to Boston to find Ellen doing well, but is distraught to find that Benny is gone. He had suffered from severe racial discrimination at the trade at his apprenticeship, causing him to quit his trade and find employment on a whaling ship.

Shortly afterward, Linda receives a letter from her legal owner, Mrs. Emily Dodge (formerly Flint). Mrs. Dodge now appears to be complicit in her father's schemes, offering her a "cordial invitation" to join her and her new husband on their plantation in Virginia. She also reveals that she is aware that Linda has recently returned from an extended trip to Europe. Linda is somewhat worried that the Flints are so well aware of her actions.

While Linda has previously offered, on several...