Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

Bliss is whisked away from the revival by a woman named Sister Georgia, because it is anticipated by the congregation that Reverend Hickman and Sister Bearmasher will be held at the jail for their part in the incident.

Sister Georgia cares for children in her job and feels that she is the appropriate person to take charge of the young Bliss, even though he is a minister and a prophet. Bliss cries to be reunited with Reverend Hickman, but Sister Georgia entices the young boy with the prospect of a cold watermelon which has been chilling down in her well all day.

Sister Georgia is kind to Bliss and hugs him, in spite of his preferred position in the church. Bliss cannot help but be overwhelmed by the womanly smell of his temporary benefactress. He is smitten with her. The unlikely...